Asia Outlook - Issue 40

ASIA

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ISSUE 40

OYO HOTELS 14 The road to becoming China’s number one hotel brand

BUSINESS TRAVEL GUIDE 20 Palau: 340 islands, one fine tourist destination

CBRE MALAYSIA 82 Empowering property development

SIMEC ENERGY AUSTRALIA

A leading light in Australia’s transition to renewable power

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ALSO FEATURING: A L I B A B A C L O U D | M A S A N R E S O U R C E S | C L A S S I C F I N E F O O D S

BUSINESS TRAVEL GUIDES A complete guide to Africa’s leading business travel destinations

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erched above Indonesia and 550 kilometres to the west of the Philippines, Palau is an extraordinary nation.

Made up of 340 coral and volcanic islands on the Kyushu-Palau Ridge, the archipelago offers some of the most breath-taking underwater sights one is likely to see.

From unspoiled coral and pristine beaches to Second World War relics (on land and under the sea) and offroad jungle treks, Palau more than

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makes up for what is a tiny area of land. Around 18,000 inhabitants live on these islands, the main population centres being found in Babelthuap (Babeldaob), Koror, Malakal, Arakabesan, and Peleliu.

Despite their remoteness, the islands have a long settlement history. It is believed that they were first inhabited around 2,000 to 3,000 years ago by Malays from Indonesia, Melanesians from New Guinea, Philippine natives, and some Polynesians from outlying

ASIA Polynesian islands in Micronesia.

Since the Second World War, the government has been the major employer here, although many rural areas operate on a subsistence economy. The USA continues to provide financial support to the nation, its official currency still being the US dollar.

Tourism has provided a recent economic boost, a shift which has helped see Palau generate one of the highest per capita incomes in the region.

Formed of around 340 coral and volcanic islands, Palau is known as the diver’s paradise with its abundance of underwater gems and military relics making for fascinating viewing Writer: Tom Wadlow | Project Manager: Jordan Levey

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See page

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

To share in this unrivalled exposure and to put your own offering on our map, then please contact our Sales Managers, Joe Palliser, Jordan Levey, Krisha Canlas or Matt Cole-Wilkin to find out more.

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W E L C O M E EDITORIAL

Editorial Director: 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 Junior Designer: Matt Loudwell matt.loudwell@outlookpublishing.com

BUSINESS

Managing Director: Ben Weaver ben.weaver@outlookpublishing.com Sales Director: Nick Norris nick.norris@outlookpublishing.com Operations Director: James Mitchell james.mitchell@outlookpublishing.com PROJECT DIRECTORS Joshua Mann joshua.mann@outlookpublishing.com Tom Cullum tom.cullum@outlookpublishing.com HEAD OF PROJECTS Callam Waller callam.waller@outlookpublishing.com Thomas Arnold thomas.arnold@outlookpublishing.com TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR Eddie Clinton eddie.clinton@outlookpublishing.com PROJECT MANAGERS Donovan Smith donovan.smith@outlookpublishing.com Josh Hyland josh.hyland@outlookpublishing.com Lewis Bush lewis.bush@outlookpublishing.com Vivek Valmiki vivek.valmiki@outlookpublishing.com BUSINESS TRAVEL GUIDES Director: Joe Palliser joe.palliser@outlookpublishing.com Jordan Levey jordan.levey@outlookpublishing.com Krisha Canlas krisha.canlas@outlookpublishing.com Matt Cole-Wilkin matt.cole-wilkin@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 CONTACT Asia Outlook East Wing, Ground Floor, 69-75 Thorpe Road, Norwich, Norfolk, NR1 1UA, United Kingdom.

Sales: +44 (0) 1603 959 652 Editorial: +44 (0) 1603 959 657 SUBSCRIPTIONS Tel: +44 (0) 1603 959 657 Email: tom.wadlow@outlookpublishing.com

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A Sea of Disruption For years and years a select few countries in Europe, as well as the United States, have monopolised the global production of superyachts.

It is a market on the rise, the demand for these larger vessels forecast to hit $35.5 billion by 2026, growing solidly at more than five percent a year in this period.

It is also a market that is shifting geographically. Australia, on the doorstep of Southeast Asia (where demand is growing fastest), is challenging the status quo that has been skewed towards the northern hemisphere for so long, and Echo Marine Group is leading the charge.

Co-Founder and Director Mark Stothard, an industry veteran of 30-plus years, is eager to provide some healthy disruption to the sector. “We are competing in a market comprising luxury design and first-class shipbuilding, coupled with engineering superiority and the highest standards in quality,” he tells us in this edition’s cover story.

Another disruptive force impacting an array of industries is Alibaba.

Honing in on its cloud business, we spoke with Selina Yuan, Vice President of Alibaba Group and President of Alibaba Cloud Intelligence International, who discusses the potential for this technology category to be a force for good across agriculture, healthcare and many other vital sectors.

The hospitality industry is also subject to disruptive forces, not least in China where India-owned OYO Hotels has emerged as the country’s number one hotel brand in the space of just 18 months.

Taking advantage of the growing middle-income strata, the company has spotted the opportunity to partner with smaller, more modest independent hotels to offer a standardised quality at an affordable price. Sam Shih, COO for China, tells us more.

Staying in China, our business travel section covers the mighty city of Shanghai, the nation’s poster child for modernity, a far cry from the remote cluster of islands making up Palau, another destination covered in this edition.

Other exclusive insights come from real estate giant CBRE’s Malaysia business, Masan Resources and Bishops in the mining sector, and Australia’s SIMEC Energy and The Coffee Emporium who, like

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Echo, are disrupting the status quo. Meanwhile, in Tom Wadlow Editorial Director, Outlook Publishing

the QSR space, we talk to McDonald’s Pakistan.

Enjoy the issue!

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In this issue...

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NEWS

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TECHNOLOGY AI = Actionable Insight

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HOSPITALITY China’s Sleeping Giant

Around Asia in seven stories

EXPERT EYE

Two experts from BNY Mellon Treasury Services on the role of local banking in seizing the opportunity

In conversation with Alibaba Cloud’s Selina Yuan

OYO Hotels and the road to becoming China’s number one hotel brand

TOPICAL FOCUS

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MAN VS. MACHINE An ASEAN tug of war?

Evaluating the role of technology in job creation and displacement

BUSINESS TRAVEL

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PALAU

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SHANGHAI

340 islands, one fine tourist destination China’s never-night city

MALDIVES

A luxury outpost in the Indian Ocean

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SHOWCASING LEADING COMPANIES

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Tell us your story and we’ll tell the world

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THE ROYAL GROUP OF COMPANIES Cambodian Catalyst Supporting growth in one of the world’s fastest-growing economies

ECHO MARINE GROUP Wind in the Sails Navigating Australia onto the global yacht building stage

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MANUFACTURING

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VOLVO CARS THAILAND The Nordic Touch Presenting the best of Swedish design and safety

ENERGY & UTILITIES CONSTRUCTION

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CBRE MALAYSIA Redefining Real Estate Empowering property development

A leading light in Australia’s transition to renewable power

F O O D & D R I N K

ECG ENGINEERING Consulting Across Continents

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Delivering Australian engineering excellence at home and abroad

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MASAN RESOURCES Resourceful, Responsible

SIMEC ENERGY AUSTRALIA Renewed Optimism

MCDONALD’S PAKISTAN Taking Fast Food Further

In the pursuit of social progress

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Vietnam’s community-driven mining operator

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THE COFFEE EMPORIUM The Coffee Custodian Perfecting a premium experience

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BISHOPS Driving Diversification Propelling progress through industrial enablement

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INTERNATIONAL BUILT ENVIRONMENT WEEK

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FI ASIA

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MINING INDONESIA

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FOOD2CHINA EXPO 2019

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SUPPLY CHAIN FINANCE SUMMIT – APAC

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5TH CWC CHINA LNG & GAS INTERNATIONAL SUMMIT

Four dynamic tradeshows bring together leading industry professionals Showcasing the best F&B ingredients from around the world One of five industry exhibitions under one roof

A promotional platform for global food enterprise

Helping to define the future of working capital

The exclusive meeting place for LNG and gas buyers and sellers in China

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ALL-ENERGY AUSTRALIA 2019

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INTERNATIONAL MINING AND RESOURCES CONFERENCE (IMARC)

Clean power takes centre stage in Melbourne

Where global mining leaders connect with technology, finance and the future

CLASSIC FINE FOODS Food Made Personal Helping industry operators bring their food to life

THE FINAL WORD

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What, in your opinion, makes a good business leader?

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Around Asia in seven stories…

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GOVERNMENT

Japan and US target trade deal by September

Huawei testing smartphone using own operating system Chinese tech giant Huawei is developing a smartphone using its own operating system, according to state-ran media organisation Global Times.

Named Hongmeng, the new operating system will be part of a phone priced at around $290, the move being seen by some commentators as a useful one if the US government decides to restrict

MANUFACTURING

South Korea targets self-sufficiency for 100 imported products The South Korean government has unveiled a $6.5 billion plan to boost homegrown R&D in a bid to curb reliance on importing certain goods from neighbouring countries such as Japan.

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Authorities from Japan and the USA are planning to strike a bilateral trade deal by September.

The two countries have struggled to agree on tariffs covering certain goods, particularly regarding beef and automobiles, with US President Donald Trump eager to reverse what he describes as an imbalanced global trading arena.

Japan is seeking an abolition of American tariffs on industrial goods such as car components, while the US wants its negotiating counterpart to open up its revered beef sector, namely by reducing the 38.5 percent levy it imposes on beef imports.

access to Google’s Android.

Despite the widely covered tensions with the Trump administration, Huawei saw profits grow by 23 percent in H1 2019, owed largely to strong domestic demand for its products. Although sales overseas have dropped markedly, shipments within China soared by 31 percent in Q2 this year.

Up to 100 key components and materials used to make chips, displays batteries, vehicles and other products are being targeted, the country looking to become selfsufficient in producing such items in as little as five years.

Sung Yun-mo, South Korea’s industry minister, said at a press briefing: “We want to turn the crisis into an opportunity for the materials, parts and equipment industry.”

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ASIA E N T E R T A I N M E N T

Foxtel agrees content sharing deal with Netflix

CONSTRUCTION

Elon Musk’s The Boring Company to launch China division Tesla Founder Elon Musk has revealed on Twitter that his tunnelling company will launch in China when he attends the World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai at the end of August.

The Boring Company, which was

set up to build underground tunnels for hyperloop transport systems, hopes to reduce traffic congestion by encouraging cities to go underground.

By decreasing the diameter of tunnels and increasing the speed at which their enormous tunnel boring machines operate, the firm says it can make such an option more viable than alternatives which include the likes of flying taxis. At the moment, it says some tunnelling projects can cost as much as $1 billion per mile.

RETAIL

Amazon reportedly in talks to buy Reliance Retail Global ecommerce firm Amazon is weighing up the possibility of acquiring Indian bricks and mortar brand Reliance Retail.

The American giant is reportedly in talks with Reliance Industries Limited about a possible deal, which would see the two provide heightened competition to Walmart, which last ploughed $16 billion into Flipkart.

Reliance is controlled by India’s richest man, Mukesh Ambani, who is well-connected politically and

could be a useful lobbying asset for Amazon. For Reliance, a tie up with Amazon would allow it to leverage the immense online platform for its 40 or so grocery product brands.

Australian broadcaster Foxtel has struck an agreement with Netflix which will see it embedded into its set-top boxes.

It is the first time that Foxtel customers will be able to access content distributed by the American streaming company, part of what the Aussie firm is dubbing The New Foxtel Experience.

CEO Patrick Delany said: “I can’t think of a better streaming partner to kick off The New Foxtel Experience than Netflix.

“The new customer interface puts two entertainment powerhouses together providing Foxtel customers with access to Netflix service alongside our Foxtel Originals and programmes from HBO, FX, the BBC and more.”

ENERGY & UTILITIES

Shell to install solar roofing on plants in India, China and Singapore Oil and gas major Shell has committed to installing solar-powered rooftops on seven of its factories across Europe and Asia.

The commitment, which will see 7,500 megawatt hours of electricity generated by the installations a year, covers facilities in India, China and Singapore, and will save the equivalent of around 4,500 tonnes of CO2 a year, which equates to taking 2,600 cars off the road.

Richard Jory, Shell’s Vice President, Lubricants Supply Chain, added: “Every industry has to do its part in developing cleaner ways of working and this is part of our commitment to run a safe, efficient, responsible and profitable business.”

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Why Southeast Asia’s global trade moment has arrived Southeast Asia is not only thriving as a manufacturing centre, it is likely to benefit hugely from China-US trade tensions, with the local banking sector set to play a crucial part in seizing the opportunity Written by: Arnon Goldstein, Regional Head of Relationship Management APAC, and Joon Kim, Global Head of Trade Finance Product and Portfolio Management, BNY Mellon Treasury Services

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f the ASEAN region was a single country it would be the seventhlargest economy in the world, with a combined GDP of $2.92 trillion in 2018.

It is projected to rank as the fourth-largest economy by 2050, demonstrating the increasing strength of Southeast Asia’s position in the global trading ecosystem.

Recent trade conflicts could bolster this position. American tariffs on Chinese-made goods are playing a role in accelerating the shift of contract manufacturing to ASEAN countries such as Vietnam and Thailand. What’s more, China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is helping to propel intra-regional trade, improving connectivity within the region through enhanced infrastructure.

At the heart of this success are local banks – particularly their ability to facilitate local businesses’ efforts to navigate new and existing trade corridors, as well as capture growing opportunities in a rapidly evolving international trade landscape. But to continue their strong performance, they will need to deepen their collaboration with global banks, leveraging their expertise, technological innovation and reach.

Picking up the baton from China

Despite protectionist headwinds, Asia’s overall exports to the US increased by over seven percent in 2018. Both import and export markets in the region are strengthening and

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ABOUT THE EXPERTS Arnon Goldstein is Regional Head of Relationship Management for BNY Mellon’s Treasury Services business in Asia Pacific.

In this role, Arnon directs BNY Mellon’s Treasury Services business and relationship management in Asia. Products include cash/ payments, trade processing/ trade finance, liquidity and foreign exchange. He joined BNY Mellon in 1996, holding positions of increasing seniority in New York, Shanghai and Singapore, where he has been based since 2003.

Joon Kim is Global Head of Trade Finance Product and Portfolio Management, BNY Mellon Treasury Services. He is responsible for managing, developing and executing trade product and distribution strategy, working with all Treasury Services global market segments and global sales organisations to grow revenues and ensure risk and compliance measures are met. Kim has 25-plus years of experience and has held various senior positions at Standard Chartered Bank and American Express Bank.

countries across the ASEAN are happily picking up the baton from China as a low-cost manufacturing hub, while China moves to more sophisticated forms of high-end production, as well as towards a more consumer-driven economy (a move being accelerated by those trade disputes with the US).

Such shifting dynamics mean that corporates and banks are increasingly looking to diversify their operating models. Already lower-end manufacturers are relocating from China to the ASEAN in particular. Panasonic, for example, is moving its auto stereo production from China to Thailand, and most of Samsung’s mobile phones are now made in Vietnam.

In a further boost to Vietnamese manufacturing, Chinese acoustics company GoerTek announced that its production of Apple’s AirPods will move to Vietnam – in part due to tensions between the US and China.

Even as an import economy, the ASEAN region is beginning to reflect its weight – and could well offset any “lost” US exports. The combined ASEAN population is 650 million, making it larger than the EU or NAFTA blocs. Given this, intra-regional trade remains somewhat of an untapped source of growth.

For example, intra-regional trade accounts for 50 percent of total trade in East Asia, while in Southeast Asia, the figure is just 25 percent – both significant improvements on previous decades but with a lot of potential for growth.

ASIA

Further growth requires technological advancement

Trade finance will be a vital tool in helping advance ASEAN trade growth, both externally and within the region.

And this is where the support of local banks is invaluable.

Yet, to help the region reach its trading potential, trade finance requires significant technological advancement.

Even from a processing basis, digitalisation – as opposed to paperbased systems – will be of enormous benefit to trade both within and beyond Southeast Asia.

Trade finance has already benefitted from the evolution from paper to electronic communication, and digital solutions have the potential to enhance speed, efficiency, transparency and security across the supply chain. Yet, the electrification of trade still has a long way to go.

Digitalisation will also make collaboration across the global banking network easier, with the information generated within the trade ecosystem more readily available and transmittable. And digitalising trade and data can improve the ability to detect fraudulent activity that may not be as easily exposed through paper. Along

with headline-grabbing technologies such as blockchain, optical character recognition (OCR) is a solution that is increasingly being applied by banks to enhance documentation verification – helping to streamline previously inefficient processes such as exchanging and ratifying bills of lading by reading data from a physical document.

Trade partnerships – the key to success

Digitalising processes is key if Southeast Asia is to reach its potential as an economic powerhouse for global growth.

Banks throughout the region are highly receptive to new technologies – recognising the importance of adaptation and innovation in order to sufficiently support their clients’ evolving needs. But the volume and pace of new technological developments can leave many local banks facing challenges, both in resources and in understanding the latest digital trends.

Given this, local banks can harness

the advanced technological capabilities, as well as expertise and connections, of specialist global providers through non-compete partnerships. Harnessing the technology, capacity and expertise of global players will ensure that the financial supply chain can keep up with the rapidly increasing volume and complexity of the physical supply chain. It will also bring the added benefit of having a globally experienced intermediary to navigate a trading process that can generate difficulties given the number of counterparties and requirements involved.

Asia is rapidly becoming the most resilient global region with respect to growth. And, with the help of technological advancements and the guidance of correspondent banks, the region could well find the optimal way to enhance trade via a banking system that will need to cope with the coming increase in demand. *The views expressed herein are those of the authors only and may not reflect the views of BNY Mellon. This does not constitute treasury services advice, or any other business or legal advice, and it should not be relied upon as such.

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AI = Actionable Spearheading meaningful change through its ET Brains and advocating cooperation via the Tech for Change initiative, Alibaba Cloud is empowering progressive perceptions across a vast swathe of industries Writer: Jonathan Dyble

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he technological landscape has exploded in recent times, as the exponential rise of startups, innovation and R&D have pushed Industry 4.0 into full swing.

With this has come a new wave of technological glitz and glamour.

Be it digital transformation, artificial intelligence, augmented and virtual reality or machine learning, technology has developed a kind of sexiness; an exotic, mysterious aura.

Not so long ago, cloud computing was painted with this same brush.

Having slipped out of the limelight in recent years, paving the way for the likes of blockchain, 5G and biometrics to take centre stage, cloud computing has taken a behind the scenes role in facilitating transformation.

To underestimate its potential, however, would be naïve. In fact, having quietly consolidated, cloud computing can now be

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considered as a behemoth technology empowering enterprise success.

“At Alibaba Cloud, we believe that cloud is the key technology in the digital era,” states Selina Yuan, Vice President of Alibaba Group and President of Alibaba Cloud Intelligence International.

“The scope for transformation is almost unimaginable. We have seen so many business practices founded in the cloud that have rocked established industries, constantly changing how we learn, work, shop, travel and consume media.”

An industry veteran with more than 20 years’ experience in the field, cloud computing has become Yuan’s passion for this very reason.

“Instead of thinking whether or not they need to embrace the cloud, companies thriving in the era of digital transformation are already thinking

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how they can use it to optimise their business,” she continues. “It is by thinking outside the box that we believe the cloud can sooth bigger, organisation-wide pain-points rather than just siloed IT issues.”

Thinking big

As its name might suggest, Alibaba Cloud has been the perfect workplace platform for Yuan’s cloud-centric ambitions and passion to flourish.

The cloud computing arm of one of the world’s largest ecommerce companies and a top three sectorbased service provider (according to Gartner), the firm has become a market leader in one-stop shop solutions to face and tackle digitalisation challenges across multiple sectors.

A core part of this ever-growing portfolio comes in the form of the Alibaba Cloud ET Brains.

From its ET City Brain, ET Medical Brain and ET Industrial brain to the ET Environment Brain and ET Agricultural Brain, each of these separate,

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Insight specialised entities serve a similar purpose as ultra-intelligent AI platforms solving complex business and social problems.

“They are powered by new, advanced technologies,” Yuan affirms. “The Brains are already driving global breakthroughs in artificial intelligence and machine learning – their capabilities offer users multi-dimensional perceptions, global insights, real-time decision-making and continuous evolution under complex situations.

“In turn, users become able to rapidly form knowledge-based, optimised decisions very quickly.”

For Alibaba Cloud, the Brains are all about combining its expertise across cloud, artificial intelligence, and other fields to create actionable insights – Yuan’s alternate definition for AI. “Artificial Intelligence, or AI, is a key focus for us – it’s much more than just a buzzword,” she continues. “We’re not developing solutions for the sake of it.

We are more interested in how we can apply technologies like AI to solve real, complex and urgent problems.

“These can range from how emergency service vehicles such as ambulances and fire engines can better negotiate and navigate heavily congested urban roads, to providing actionable insights for traditional industries such as manufacturing, allowing them to be more environmentally friendly, for example.”

Empowering perceptions

The company’s deployment of its ET Agricultural Brain in China stands out as a particularly interesting case study.

Collecting reams of processed data from its enterprise clients, it has developed machine learningempowered analytics technologies to create game-changing insights for the region’s farming community.

In essence, farmers have been provided with the necessary visual recognition and realtime environmental monitoring technologies to track the growth and conditions of crops and livestock via smartphone applications.

LEADERSHIP FOCUS SELINA YUAN Selina Yuan is a Vice President of Alibaba Group and President of Alibaba Cloud Intelligence International, a leading cloud platform in Asia and top three in the world.

She leads the international division of Alibaba Cloud Intelligence Group, heading up a global team across Asia Pacific, Europe, the Americas and the Middle East, enabling cloud technology for millions of customers around the world.

Yuan brings more than 20 years of experience in leading and growing technology businesses globally.

Before joining Alibaba in May 2019, Yuan spent more than six and a half years at Huawei, working in Brazil, Mexico and China during this time.

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“Most companies are already sitting on a huge amount of data, but making intelligent use of the amassed data is even more important if they want to maximise the opportunities that technologies present,” Yuan adds.

As the conversation continues, the Group Vice President is quick to iterate that there are not many regions or industries that cannot be optimised by technology, the ET Agricultural Brain standing as a prime example of how traditional industries are being transformed with new-age technologies.

Such transitions have not been entirely straightforward, however, with a commitment to customary practices and conventional operations often posing as the biggest challenge in terms of adoption.

Yuan explains: “Our biggest hurdle comes from the traditional enterprise mindset towards new technology.

The scalablity, flexiblity and agility of public cloud is undebatable, although it still takes time for the larger enterprises to truly recognise these competitive advantages.

“As we have seen from the early days of technology, change management is often the biggest hurdle to overcome. On the plusside, however, when the benefits are explained and change justified, people are more willing to embrace it.

“Bear in mind too that the way that the internet – and now, cloud – has revolutionsed life as we know it in the last two decades, people are generally more open to change; they see change as inevitable not just to keep ahead, but to keep up.”

Advocating collaboration

An increased willingness for collaboration has come in tandem with this openness to change, a second area that Alibaba Cloud is championing via its Tech for Change initiative.

Launched at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona earlier this year, it acts as a call out for ideas and joint efforts between enterprises, startups, young entrepreneurs and alike, encouraging them to work together to tackle global social and humanitarian challenges in areas such as education, economic

As an advocate for applying technologies for social good, we believe that affordable cloud infrastructure and accessible, intelligent technologies have the potential to enable smaller organisations to make huge differences in creating a better world for all humankind” 12

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development and the environment through technology.

“The Tech for Change initiative is all about bringing together creativity and innovation to tackle critical problems and challenges faced by humanity,” replies Yuan when asked about this initiative.

“By making technology more accessible and affordable, we can inspire creativity and nurture the next generation of game-changers who will make our world a better place.”

As part of this pledge, Alibaba Cloud is providing the cloud infrastructure needed to transform businesses globally, offering partners access to its technology expertise, global computing resources and talent development programmes.

These include Create@Alibaba Cloud, a global scheme focused on accelerating business success for startups, and Tianchi, its AI competition platform.

And while these tools, and indeed Alibaba’s role, are particularly proactive in this space, Yuan’s concluding statements resonate with one point: that the company can’t drive transformation alone.

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SUPPORTING STARTUPS

CREATE@ALIBABA CLOUD Create@Alibaba Cloud is a global programme focused on accelerating business success for startups.

The package includes several key benefits for participants, including free usage of up to $50,000 worth of Alibaba’s cloud services spread over two years.

The programme also provides one to one cloud architect support, marketing assistance, access to workshops and events, assistance with entering the Chinese market, and access to specialised local projects.

Partners can be incubators, accelerators, co-working spaces, seed/VC capitals, governments and other startup organisations.

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ASIA “Nothing flourishes or survives in a vacuum,” she states.

“When it comes to innovation, a collaborative ecosystem is key to more agile and efficient development. As an advocate for applying technologies for social good, we believe that affordable cloud infrastructure and accessible, intelligent technologies have the potential to enable smaller organisations to make huge differences in creating a better world for all humankind.

“However, a single player – even one as big as Alibaba – cannot accompalish everything on its own.

Therefore, we are calling for everyone to join forces and be part of the Tech for Change global community.

“Together we can make the programme more open, inclusive and sustainable.”

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China’s Sleeping

GIANT Having become the nation’s leading hotel brand in just 18 months, OYO Hotels is now looking to become number one in the world. China COO Sam Shih discusses the company’s latest plans

Sam Shih knows all too well the mammoth potential of China’s hotel industry.

Indeed, the battlefield on which local and international players are vying for supremacy in the country’s hospitality market is a massive one.

According to the latest figures from IBISWorld, Chinese hotels are expected to generate $74 billion in revenue this year alone, the industry employing Writer: Tom Wadlow 2,682,500 people across more than 21,000 businesses.

I first identified the Having won the cola war with Pepsi, opportunity in the budget Shih, as COO of OYO Hotels’ China hospitality segment whilst division, is making strong advances in working at Accor, as his latest campaign.

Chairman and COO for Greater China.

June 2019 saw the hotel brand “At that point, I hadn’t found a become the largest in the country, a good solution to the problem, but footprint which equates to 500,000 when I met founder Ritesh Agarwal, rooms spread over 10,000 hotels in 337 he presented a great business model cities. and inspired me with OYO’s mission Such an operation is managed by and vision. I believe in it – and I believe a team of more than 10,000 full-time I have a lot to offer in making OYO employees, while another 200,000 Jiudian (Hotels) successful. seasonal jobs have been generated “My time at Pepsi gave me the in just over 18 months, helping to experience of managing 25,000 meet demand which averages out at employees with $2.5 billion in revenue.

300,000 guests per night across the There, I built a strong brand and network. a profitable business with a good “There is no speck of doubt distribution network and an outstanding that China offers vast potential,” team. We also won the cola war. explains Shih. “The existing supply “Now I want to be part of OYO’s of independent hotels represents an story in China, with the aim of estimated 160 million rooms globally. becoming the number one hotel Here, the supply is over 40 million company.” and around 95 percent of those are

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within the addressable market for OYO Jiudian (Hotels).

There is a large blue ocean market beneath the iceberg, which is undoubtedly exciting for us. These small independent hotels with fewer than 80 rooms are scattered around lower-tier cities in China. They are not branded, they lack experience in operations and display low-profit margins. Those are the major long-standing pain points for owners but represent an opportunity for OYO to add value.”

Mastering the mid-market

TECHNOLOGY IN FOCUS What role are digital technologies and solutions playing in your industry?

“China’s internet applications and digital consumption are among the highest in the world. The hotel industry is geared towards C-end consumers, and digital payments play an important role in the consumer’s travel experience.

“Not long ago, OYO Hotels announced a strategic cooperation with Ant Financial, and the two sides will carry out in-depth mutual cooperation in the areas of member sharing, scenario connection, financial services, smart payment, credit life and hotel upgrades to build a hotel ecosystem.

“Through this strategic cooperation, OYO will fully access Alipay’s ‘mini program’, and more than 10,000 of our hotels nationwide can be booked online through the service. OYO membership benefits will also be shared with Alipay members.

“Our recent partnership with Ctrip is another strategic step, giving us the opportunity to extend our offerings to millions of discerning Chinese travellers looking for standardised, quality offerings.

“Digital technologies – including OYO’s proprietary technology – are vital in our empowerment of independent hotel owners when it comes to payment, finance, fund management and the overall management of their hotels.

“Empowered by technology, hotels are given new avenues through which to better understand their cities and consumer groups. This is what OYO Hotels commits itself to. With big data and AI, we understand the relations between supply and demand in consumer groups.”

Sam Shih – COO of OYO Hotels

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This is where the company’s unique business model comes to the fore.

It revolves around first-tier cities whilst planting roots in second-, thirdand lower-tier markets, targeting the increasing band of middle-income earners who want to experience affordable quality on their travels.

The biggest differentiating factor is OYO’s full-stack model which starts with supply acquisition, renovation, hospitality and operations, and technology, ending with omnichannel distribution both on and offline.

“OYO’s mission is to upgrade all forms of real estate and provide quality living spaces to travellers around the world,” Shih adds.

“We are committed to offering standardised high quality hotels at affordable prices in convenient locations within China, targeting the core needs of business and leisure travellers, both domestic and international.

“Within China, OYO is working hard to address the Chinese traveller’s desire for consumption upgrade – to recognise that they are pursuing unique experiences above and beyond just a room to sleep in.

“We want to ensure that the middle-income population of China – around 400 million people – have access to high quality and affordable accommodation, and for the first time we’re offering that for less than RMB 150 ($22).”

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Including its Chinese market, OYO has more than 23,000 hotels (700,000 rooms) and 46,000 vacation homes on its books, a footprint spanning 800 cities in more than 80 countries.

But being the world’s largest hotel brand is not OYO’s ultimate goal.

Shih concludes: “We want to be the most loved hotel chain – for consumers by providing quality living spaces and for hotel owners by providing revenue assurance and sharing the benefits of the consumption upgrade trend.

Focusing on smaller cities has been another strategic win for OYO. By investing resources into these local markets which have gone unnoticed by traditional hotel chains, the company has been able to not only revitalise tourism trades and address reputational issues such as security and hygiene, but also gain a march on the competition.

Further, independent, non-branded small and medium hotels account for a huge 95 percent of supply in China, compared with 80 percent in the USA and 60 percent in Europe, providing a measure of just how great an opportunity remains for OYO in the domestic market.

“We have just officially released ‘OYO Hotels 2.0’ to explore the development path of scale and refinement and bundle the revenue of OYO with the revenue of hotel owners. The two will become a real community of common interests and embrace win-win cooperation.”

Eyes on the world

For Shih and OYO, however, ambitions stretch far beyond Chinese borders.

“OYO has become a global hotel brand,” Shih says. “It is the sixth largest hotel chain in the world with a broad footprint from Tokyo, Japan to Texas, USA – it is also the fastest-growing hotel, homes and living spaces chain in the world.

“Our brand recognition is not limited to India and China, but is also

OYO Hotels has risen markedly in the 18 months it has been in China, now recognised as the country’s leading hotel brand

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An ASEAN tu Looking at a report from Oxford Economics and Cisco, we evaluate the role of technology in job creation and job displacement in six of Asia’s key economies Writer: Jonathan Dyble

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ehind the hype of industry 4.0, new-age technologies have developed a somewhat controversial reputation amongst many industries across Asia.

According to a report from Oxford Economics and Cisco, Technology and the future of ASEAN jobs, it is estimated that 28 million fewer workers across Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines, Vietnam and Singapore (ASEAN-6)

AGRICULTURE AND MINING

MANUFACTURING

Agriculture and mining, two stalwart industries of the ASEAN-6, are expected to be hit the hardest by the emergence of new technologies. With job losses forecast at 10.1 million and creation at just 4.3 million, the sector is anticipated to contract 7.4 percent in terms of employment over the course of the next decade.

Unlike agriculture, the combined manufacturing workforce of the ASEAN-6 countries is expected to grow by 600,000 (or 1.4 percent) within the next 10 years.

The manufacturing industry will indeed suffer from similar problems to those experienced in the agricultural sector, including significant reductions in a number of lesser-skilled job roles.

However, the rising demand for cost efficiencies, process optimisation, administrative improvements and alike is set to outweigh this.

As manufacturing plants increasingly look towards technologies such as the cloud, big data, robotics and automation in hope of achieving their efficiency/profitability ambitions, these new employment segments are set to flourish.

However, when considering that the regional population is expected to grow at 0.85 percent per year, this may actually equate to a fall in the number of manufacturing jobs available per capita, indicating that technology may still be considered somewhat detrimental to the manufacturing industry.

Despite this, productivity is in fact expected to rise as intelligent technologies such as artificial intelligence, autonomous machinery and smart sensors are deployed to a greater effect.

While this transition will indeed create new fertile ground for tech jobs in agriculture, particularly in the face of the region’s rapidly rising population (expected to reach 717 million by 2030), the number of opportunities for lower-skilled jobs, namely farmers, is expected to continue falling as efficient technologies emerge and rise to the fore.

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ug-of-war? will be able to produce the same levels of output as today.

While this statistic reflects the substantial productivity gains anticipated from more widespread technology adoption, there is equally concern for numerous job roles, owed to the sheer scale of the reskilling challenge.

An abundance of new technology-driven occupations will emerge as the labour market evolves. Meanwhile, Oxford

Economics and Cisco’s modelling also suggests that some 6.6 million workers across the region will see their current positions become redundant. Evaluating the potential job displacement and income effects amongst the ASEAN-6, presented as below is what we can expect in terms of employment opportunities across some of the region’s principal industries (prediction period 2018-2024).

WHOLESALE AND RETAIL

TRANSPORT AND TOURISM

It is estimated that around 150,000 jobs will be created in the wholesale and retail industry every year for the next decade across the ASEAN-6 countries alone – a sector that will become a major beneficiary of the positive impact of increased technology adoption.

Transport and tourism represents an industry with one of the greatest positive percentage changes.

The ecommerce boom can be outlined as the major driver behind this. As the likes of Amazon and Alibaba continue to expand their reach and market share, the number of warehousing, distribution and logistics roles will increase monumentally, offsetting jobs cuts on the high street.

According to Mordor Intelligence, for example, demand for the warehousing industry is expected to rise 8.5 percent between 2018 and 2024, while 3.8 million new internet users are expected to come online every month in the region.

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Travel and tourism currently accounts for over 10 percent of global annual GDP according to the World Travel and Tourism Council, an organisation that has also highlighted Asia as a new industry hub.

Here, the growing role of internet is operating as a major driver of new revenue streams.

This in mind, businesses are investing in a multitude of alternate professionals, be it blockchain specialists in order to provide authentic digital booking experiences, web developers, coders, data analysts for sales functions, or content/social media managers for marketing purposes.

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P A L A U

PALAU Formed of around 340 coral and volcanic islands, Palau is known as the diver’s paradise with its abundance of underwater gems and military relics making for fascinating viewing Writer: Tom Wadlow | Project Manager: Jordan Levey

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Made up of 340 coral and volcanic islands on the Kyushu-Palau Ridge, the archipelago offers some of the most breathtaking underwater sights one is likely to see.

From unspoiled coral and pristine beaches to Second World War relics (on land and under the sea) and offroad jungle treks, Palau more than

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makes up for what is a tiny area of land. Around 18,000 inhabitants live on these islands, the main population centres being found in Babelthuap (Babeldaob), Koror, Malakal, Arakabesan, and Peleliu.

Despite their remoteness, the islands have a long settlement history. It is believed that they were first inhabited around 2,000 to 3,000 years ago by Malays from Indonesia, Melanesians from New Guinea, Philippine natives, and some Polynesians from outlying

ASIA Polynesian islands in Micronesia.

Since the Second World War, the government has been the major employer here, although many rural areas operate on a subsistence economy. The USA continues to provide financial support to the nation, its official currency still being the US dollar.

Tourism has provided a recent economic boost, a shift which has helped see Palau generate one of the highest per capita incomes in the region.

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The Business End

FACTS & FIGURES PALAU’S ECONOMY HAS been a story of growth since the turn of the millennium, the country passing landmark legislation to introduce a minimum wage in 1998.

The law does not apply to foreign workers, who make up a significant proportion of the labour force, in particular those coming from the Philippines and Taiwan.

Major exports include tuna and clothing, while further government income is generated by licensing permits to foreign fishing vessels. In the rural regions, common activities include the gathering and cultivating of taro, sweet potato and cassava.

Tourism has grown considerably over the past few decades and is a vital economic contributor to Palau’s economy.

According to the International

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Monetary Fund, 2017/2018 saw tourism receipts of $114.2 million, a figure forecast to rise to $137.7 million by 2019/2020. World Bank figures estimate that Palau saw 123,000 tourist arrivals in 2017.

The country has embarked on a five-year Responsible Tourism Policy Framework, an initiative supported by the country’s Tommy Remengesau.

Writing in the framework document published in 2017, he said: “Tourism continues to provide for more than half of our economy, with the industry contributing 51 percent of our GDP. “Growing our tourism industry responsibly is essential to Palau’s economic vitality. A stronger, more diversified industry will provide Palau with improved infrastructure, career opportunities for our youth, and a higher standard of living.”

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Capital: Melekeok Languages: Palauan, English Area: 490 km2 Population (2018): 17,900 GDP (2017): $272 million Currency: US dollar Time zone: Palau Time (GMT +9) Dialling code: +680 Internet TLD: .pw Climate: Tropical rainforest

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Blue Marlin was established as a dive shop in 1987. Since then we have been committed to providing an inclusive, safe and fun dive experience for our customers, and we are proud to say that our safety record has remained impeccable since our opening.

We consider it our mission to show visitors that Palau is the top spot for diving. That is why we are continuously researching new dive sites, fish behavior and spawning events. In 2010 we were the first to discover the mass spawning of the bumphead parrotfish, which now attracts divers and scientists from all over the world.

Our shop is conveniently located at the 5-star Palau Royal Resort with the boat pier right in front. Our comfortable facilities include a spacious logging area, hot showers and clean spaces for rinsing equipment.

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ail : bm @b luem arlin palau.c om | bluemarlinpalau.com

Come dive with us and we are sure that you will love Palau’s ocean as much as we do. We hope to see you soon at Blue Marlin!

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In Focus Koror City KOROR CITY, ON the island of Koror, served as the provisional capital of Palau until 2006, when it was moved to Melekeok in eastern Babelthuap.

The island was devasted during the Second World War but has emerged as one of the country’s most important economic and tourist centres in the time since. Its natural harbour provides several major anchorages, the most significant being at Ngemelache, which is now Koror City’s primary industrial and shipping suburb.

Around three quarters of Palau’s inhabitants live here, the city being one of the most densely populated in the whole of Micronesia.

Despite this, Koror City is by no means a metropolis, instead retaining the feel of a provincial town. Home to many excellent restaurants, unique shops, small museums and a mixture of monuments, it is the ideal launchpad from which to hop onto the more scenic islands.

It is a short boat ride from the Rock

WCTC Shopping Centre

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Downtown, Koror City

Islands archipelago, and most activities such as diving, kayaking and snorkelling can all be organised via operators who have bases in Koror City.

On a more practical note, most of Palau’s accommodation options are found in here, featuring an array of options from standard motels to resorts which offer sea views.

WELCOME TO PARADISE...

Enjoy Beautiful Palau at Sea Passion Hotel Located on the island of Malakal Koror, Sea Passion Hotel boasts the largest hotel room on the Palau Islands.

CONTACT P.O.BOX 10068, KOROR, REPUBLIC OF PALAU, 96940 Tel: +680 488-0066, Fax: +680 488-0077 reservations@seapassionhotel.com www.seapassionhotel.com

P A L A U

Palau Visitors Authority “WE ARE COMMITTED to promote our heritage and the unique attractions of Palau through sustainable tourism development and the encouragement of responsible practices.”

This is the mission statement of the Palau Visitors Authority. Charged with promoting tourism in the country, the organisation is headed up by Managing Director Stephanie Nakamura, who set aside some time to answer a few questions about the nation’s offering members of the board, appointed by for travellers. the President, with consent of the Senate.

Asia Outlook (AsO): Can you firstly Its primary responsibility is to talk us through the origins of the develop policies and guidelines as Palau Visitors Authority, how it came a basis for PVA’s operational and about, and its initial vision? marketing direction; it directs policies Stephanie Nakamura (SN): Palau’s and work activities of the Authority first tourist office was established in through the Managing Director, who in 1972 under the Economic Development turn directs the day to day activities of Office of the Trust Territory the organisation.

Government, and it was known as The Board has another key the Palau Tourism Commission. The responsibility in that it recommends Tourism Re-Organization Act of 1982 to the President and the Congress under Palau Public Law 1-49 ended the passages of legislation pertaining Tourism Commission and established to tourism. The PVA acts as a liaison the Palau Visitors Authority (PVA). between the tourism industry and the PVA is a semi-autonomous body community, particularly the states, created by law to promote and in accessing and encouraging the encourage the development and establishment of potential tourist sites marketing of tourism as one of the and suitable activities for the purpose primary economic sectors of the of spreading tourist traffic throughout Republic. PVA is composed of seven Palau.

PVA is responsible for generating awareness about tourism to all segments of the community in Palau to ensure that the Palauan people understand what tourism is about, what it does, and how it effects our island nation.

SN: To this day, Palau Visitors Authority continues to promote our heritage and the unique attractions of Palau through sustainable tourism development and the encouragement of responsible practices.

The first product of the Alii Pass programme offers uniqueness and is one of the few cultural experiences tourists can find on islands. PVA believes this Airai State cultural tour and all other future tours that will be part of the Alii Pass programme deserve to be highlighted.

AsO: How would you say Palau has developed in recent years as a business travel hub? Why, in your opinion, should someone visit Palau?

SN: Palau has become home to more and more well-developed hotels and resorts over the years, as well as health and education infrastructures. Palau is known for its pristine seas and nature, which are preserved by our culture.

We are also known as the ideal family friendly, world-class destination.

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

SN: We are renowned for nature, which is preserved or has been created by our culture and recent past – key attractions include birdwatching, caves, dolphin experiences, sharks, shipwrecks, waterfalls, WWII monuments and more.

This year we won a PATA Gold Award (for community-based tourism) for the Airai State Cultural Tour, a AsO: Since inception, how has the rich and eco-friendly guided tour, an Palau Visitors Authority developed experience like no other on the island and progressed in terms of its key where culture, history, traditional objectives and the messages it tries to performances and Palauan delicacies get across? are wedded into a one-day experience.

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PALAU BREWING COMPANY TEL. 488-4055

P A L A U

Outlook Recommends “Divers swear by Palau’s exciting seascape, fascinating wrecks and stunningly diverse marine life – it’s not dubbed ‘the underwater Serengeti’ for nothing” – Lonely Planet

ACCOMMODATION

Palau Royal Resort

Palau Sea Passion Hotel Based just five minutes’ drive from Koror, Sea Passion Hotel presents an ideal option for scuba diving enthusiasts. The hotel comes with its own private beach, an outdoor pool and restaurant, with some rooms also housing their own private balcony or patio. It is approximately 30 minutes’ drive from Koror Airport.

The Dudek’s Nest BNB 28

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Palau Central Hotel

Nature Island Resort

Carolines Resort

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Waterfront access, not a beach.

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Free 2-person kayaks and paddleboards available for guests.

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For more information about The Dudek’s Nest BnB, Koror, Palau visit:

Airbnb.com | Booking.com or email gordonbnb@gmail.com

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Outlook Recommends SHOPPING

Palauan Night Market RESTAURANTS

Western Caroline Trading Company WCTC is the oldest and largest Palauan corporation with over 450 employees and over 35 business entities. Its main business is grocery retail and wholesale, but its offerings are also diversified: hotels, restaurants, department stores, a hardware store, and car sales, to name a few.

Drop Off Bar & Grill

Elilai

Blue Marlin Blue Marlin is a dive shop and scuba diving course provider. Having started life in 1987, it expanded into the Palau Royal Resort in 2005 and has won a string of awards for its services, including the Best Diving Service Award. In the 30 years of its operation, the company has not had to report a single serious accident.

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Service, comfort and convenience in the centre of downtown Palau

Palau Central Hotel www.palaucentral.com reservations@palaucentral.com + 680 488 4500

P.O. Box 1724, Koror, Palau 96940 +680 488 3755 / 3754 | +680 488 3756 reservation@carolines-palau.com www.carolines-palau.com

RELAX AND

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P A L A U

Outlook Recommends RESTAURANTS

AIRLINES

Kramer’s Cafe

Asiana Airlines

Fish ‘n Fins Palau

China Airlines

Island Seed

BOAT TOURS & WATER SPORTS

Rock Island Café

Palau Dive Adventures Neco Marine Blue Marlin Sam’s Tours

Emaimelei Restaurant & Kumangai Bakery Canoe House Mesekiu Waterhole Bar Coconut Terrace Restaurant 32

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Korean Air United Airlines Lanmei Airlines

Celebrating its 30th Anniversary, Sam’s Tours is the most award winning dive center in Palau. This 5-star PADI IDC facility offers everything from diving tours and courses to kayaking kayak and land-based tours around Palau’s stunning scenic natural wonders. The company is a pillar in the community and works tirelessly on conservation based initiatives.

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P.O. Box 10108, Malakal, Koror, Palau 96940 E-mail: info@palau-royal-resort.com Telephone: (+680) 488-2000 www.palau-royal-resort.com

PALAU SUP & SURF

Our service policy is safety operation and diving, delicious meal and good hospitality.

Award of 19 consecutive years in Japan’s Marine Diving Magazine Cruise Division.

CONTACT divecruise@sporttours.co.jp Office 680-488-1120 Mob 680-775-3180,775-3181, 775-3182,775-3183,775-3184 P.O.Box37 Koror Palau 96940 Tel (680)775-7502 E: goodtimespalau@gmail.com

www.palau-sup.com

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P A L A U

PHOTO BY ABASAA - OWN WORK, PUBLIC DOMAIN

Transport Links

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Citizens of most countries will also be granted a 30-day tourist visa once they arrive, dependent on the showing of a passport valid for at least six months and a return or onward travel ticket. US citizens are given one-year visas.

Once on the archipelago, the best way to get around is by car and boat as Palau does not have a public transport system. The cost of hiring a car varies from around $40-45 a day, with most

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PHOTO: PASCAL KOBEH

SEVERAL AIRLINES OPERATE flights in and out of Palau, including Asiana Airlines, China Airlines, Korean Air, United Airlines and Lanmei Airlines.

The major transit hub is Roman Tmetuchl International Airport, located near Koror City.

Travellers should be aware that Palau operates an international departure tax of $50, which includes a green fee of $2 and is payable by cash or credit card upon check-in at the airport.

rentals coming with an unlimited amount of mileage.

Nakamura comments: “Once you arrive on Palau’s main island of Babeldaob, you have the ability to roam freely for up to 20 miles before encountering the ocean once again. If you want to get around the islands of Koror and Baeldaob, you’ll need some form of transportation. You can either rent a car or book a tour with one of our tour operators.”

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Landmark Attractions Belau National Museum & Bai

Scuba Diving •PADI Dive Courses • Kayaking

PHOTO BY ABASAA - OWN WORK, PUBLIC DOMAIN

“The Belau National Museum ( BNM ) is a non-profit semi-autonomous agency. Established in 1955, it is the oldest museum in Micronesia. Originally occupying a small Japanese era building near the police station, in 1955 the museum relocated to the first floor of the former Japanese Administration Weather Bureau. Its new permanent home was opened in 2005” – Belau National Museum

Tech Diving • Snorkeling Tours • Land Tours

www.samstours.com Japanese Military Headquarters Building

“This two-storey building was the Japanese forward command post during WWII. It was important in their efforts to control Peleliu and was very fiercely defended, but the Americans managed to bomb it in 1944” – Lonely Planet

Badrulchau Stone Monoliths

“Badrulchau is Palau’s largest and probably most ancient megalithic site…

It is the heads that draw visitors to Badrulchau and give Palau the nickname “Easter Island of Micronesia.” But what most visitors don’t know is that Badrulchau’s not the only place where the stone heads can be seen” – whattoseenext.com

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S H A N G H A I

SHANGHAI Established as China’s primary hub of modernity, innovation and futurism, Shanghai has risen to pre-eminence as one of the world’s most promising cities Writer: Jonathan Dyble | Project Manager: Matthew Cole-Wilkin

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ynonymous with futuristic technologies and innovative architecture, Shanghai is a modern city that typifies China’s progressive qualities.

Delving into the nucleus of the metropolis, you can find the worldfamous waterfront promenade, the Bund, strewn with magnificent

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colonial-era buildings. Crossing the river, you will meet the Pudong district and its iconic landmarks – the 632-metre-tall Shanghai Tower and the Oriental Pearl TV Tower.

Architecture aside, the Maglev similarly epitomises Shanghai’s avantgarde attitudes. The world’s fastest train, travelling at speeds of up to 430

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kilometres per hour, it’s able to cover the 19 miles between the Shanghai Pudong International Airport and central Pudong itself in just seven minutes.

Swerving away from the downtown glitz and glamour, meanwhile, you will find a traditional side to China’s largest city that’s steeped in character.

Be it the artistic, pagoda laden Yuyuan garden that is no less than an oasis amongst the bustling streets, or narrow back streets home to market vendors showcasing brightly coloured vegetables and fresh fish, it’s worth noting that Shanghai is, albeit more quietly, a champion of Chinese culture.

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Ignite the magical dream within your heart!

Shanghai Disney Resort, the first Disney resort in Chinese mainland, is a whole new world of fantasy, imagination, creativity and adventure nestled in the Pudong New District of the country’s most vibrant city.

Housing Shanghai Disneyland theme park, two themed hotels, Disneytown, a larger shopping, dining and entertainment district, a Broadway-style theatre, Wishing Star Park and other outdoor recreation areas, the 963-acre Shanghai Disney Resort site opened its doors in June 2016.

Shanghai Disney Resort is a joint venture between The Walt Disney Company and Shanghai Shendi Group, designed by experts from China and around the world to ensure an authentic Disney and distinctively Chinese appeal.

Shanghai Disneyland theme park comprises seven themed lands: Adventure Isle, Gardens of Imagination, Mickey Avenue, Tomorrowland, Treasure Cove, Fantasyland and Disney Pixar Toy Story Land. The centerpiece of the park is the iconic Enchanted Storybook Castle, the tallest, largest and most interactive castle that represents all the Disney princesses.

The resort’s two hotels (Shanghai Disneyland Hotel and Toy Story Hotel) offer quality accommodation options and catering to a range of visitor needs, and between them present more than 1,200 rooms.

As well as serving the city’s bustling tourism market, Shanghai Disney Resort is an important contributor to the local community in a number of ways. For example, on opening in 2016 it hired more than 10,000 employees, known as Cast Members, and will continue to provide more employment opportunities as the site develops and grows.

Further, the group supports efforts to address a wide range of needs for local children. In honor of the Grand Opening of the resort, The Walt Disney Company announced a 20 million RMB ($3.1 million) donation to support the creation of Disney-themed play spaces, the first of which opened at the Shanghai Children’s Hospital in June 2017.

Cast Members are also encouraged to donate their time and many talents to charitable and community endeavors through the VoluntEARS program. Since 2012, Shanghai Disney Resort VoluntEARS has contributed more than 44,000 hours in the community, positively impacting more than a million people’s lives.

Shanghai Disney Resort Tel: 86 21 3158 0000 www.shanghaidisneyresort.com ©Disney

S H A N G H A I

The Business End

FACTS & FIGURES

HOME TO BOTH the Pudong International Airport and Hongqiao International Airport, Shanghai has established itself as transit hub for not only China but equally the Asia-Pacific region.

Patrick Chen, Deputy Director of the Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism (SMACT), explains: “Last year the number of passengers arriving and departing the Pudong International Airport stood at roughly 74.05 million, while the number of passengers arriving and departing the Hongqiao airport was about 43.65 million. Combined, these totalled 117.7 million.

“Further, it is reported that as of 2018, 107 Chinese and foreign

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airlines have opened regular flights in Shanghai, connecting 300 destinations in 48 countries around the world, of which 135 are international destinations.”

This has largely helped to uphold Shanghai’s reputation as an international economic, financial, trade, shipping and technological innovation centre, with a multitude of giant multinational corporations both based and headquartered within the city itself.

With a city-wide GDP of ¥3.27 trillion ($475 billion), a figure larger than the national GDP of Austria, Nigeria, the UAE or Norway, it’s ultimately easy to see why this reputation has emerged and will continue to strengthen.

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Languages: Chinese Area: 6,340 km² Population (2019): 26.32 million GDP(2015): ¥3.27 trillion Currency: Chinese renminbi Time zone: China Standard Time Dialling code: +86 21 Internet TLD: .cn Climate: Humid subtropical Highest recorded temperature: 40.9°C

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In Focus The Bund THE BUND, OR Waitan as it is otherwise known, is a waterfront area and socioeconomic hub found in central Shanghai.

Located between the Waibaidu Bridge that stretches over the Huangpu River and the East Jingling road, the 1.5-kilometre-long district neatly presents both the city’s distinguished history and visionary characteristics.

On the western side a total 26 buildings stand tall, each comprising a fabled architectural style and standing as individual marvels of engineering and construction.

“The Bund is regarded as a symbol of Shanghai,” states Chen.

“Featuring Gothic, Romanesque, Baroque, Chinese and western style buildings, it is famed as a museum of international architecture.”

This in mind, the promenade is understandably a hit for both photographers and river cruises in terms of leisure. Yet it is often better known as an epicentre for business travellers, home to the likes of the Shanghai Pudong Development Bank, the Shanghai Council of Trade Unions, AIA Insurance and an array of globally famous hotels.

Early evening is is considered to be the optimal time to visit, providing the chance to watch the sun set behind Shanghai’s spectacular skyline while eating a world-class meal or sipping on an exquisitely created cocktail.

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THE KUNLUN JING AN www.thekunlunjingan.com

Perfectly situated in the heart of Shanghai, The Kunlun Jing An enjoys an exceptional location in one of Shanghai’s most fashionable and commercial districts, only a short walk from the famous Jing An Temple and West Nanjing Road.

250 Hua Shan Road, Shanghai 200040, China T: +86 400 921 7063 F: +86 21 6248 1472 info.jingan@thekunlunhotels.com

JIN YAN

Jin Yan is committed to staying true to the traditions and flavors of Cantonese gastronomy.

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T: +86 400 921 7063 39F, The Kunlun Jing An

Xian Yan presents an array of culinary fare from across China and is committed to delivering an unhindered flavor of nature, and taste.

T: +86 400 921 7063 Lower Lobby, The Kunlun Jing An

S H A N G H A I

Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism OWED TO BOTH business and leisure travel, the role of tourism is rising as an additional driver of economic success across Shanghai – an industry that the Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism is helping to propel.

Patrick Chen took the time out to answer our questions, providing insight as to why Shanghai is becoming such an illustrious, fruitful tourist hotspot.

of Culture and Tourism. Under this umbrella, the Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism, also known as SMACT, formed in November last year.

The SMACT is the component department of Shanghai Municipal Government responsible for the development and management of the culture and tourism industries in Shanghai. It consists of 20 departments including promotions and Asia Outlook (AsO): Can you firstly marketing, resources development, talk me through the origins of the industry development, museum, SMACT, how it came about, and its initial media, intangible cultural heritage vision? and preservation of culture relics Patrick Chen (PC): China started a departments, amongst others. new round of institutional reforms of Ultimately, our mission is to promote the State Council last year. As a result, Shanghai as an ideal destination for it now consists of 26 ministries and business, exhibitions, MICE and indeed commissions, including the Ministry leisure.

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

PC: Culture and tourism have a tight connection. Culture is the soul of the tourism industry, and tourism is the carrier of the culture. Since inception, our task has been to promote the development of the culture and tourism industry and spearhead the market, promoting the supply of more high-quality products.

On March 3, 2019 we issued 40 recommended tours in Shanghai, combined with the main culture and tourism resources. Among these tours, you can visit the popular scenic spots, taste delicious food, visit theatres, museums, art centres and so on.

Through attending a variety of tourism

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fairs and exhibitions both home and abroad, we update the market with the latest information on Shanghai.

Besides this, we also invite foreign travel agencies and media groups to tour the city.

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

PC: Our convenient visa policy helps the development of business travel in Shanghai. Besides Chinese visas, foreigners can also apply for 144-hour transit visa-free stopovers in Shanghai, Jiangsu and Zhejiang province with certain requests. For tourist groups there are port visas and 15-day visa-free policies which are valid for those who visit Shanghai by cruise.

There are also many international meetings, conferences, events and expositions held in Shanghai every year, and about 49 scientific research institutes and colleges and universities.

Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism is the secretary-

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ASIA general of the ICCA (International Congress and Convention Association) China committee. Last year there were 82 international conferences held in Shanghai, the city standing 28th in the global ranking list issued by ICCA. Last year Shanghai attracted 45 new regional headquarters of transnational corporations. It is reported that as of 2018, there were 670 regional headquarters of transnational corporations in Shanghai. This is the foundation of the development of our MICE industry.

There are many convention and exhibition centres, hotels and special venues in Shanghai such as the National Exhibition and Convention Centre (NECC). This is one of the largest single block buildings and exhibition complexes in the world, with a total construction area of 1.47 million square metres.

Equally, the Shanghai International Convention centre is located in Lujiazui financial centre, adjacent to The Oriental Pearl Radio and TV Tower and across the river from the Bund and its international

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The Ultimate Driving Experience: After opening in April 2018, the Porsche Experience Centre Shanghai has made it easier and closer to experience your dream Porsche. Whether you want to improve your driving skills, increase your confidence in hazardous situations or simply have a fantastic experience driving your dream Porsche, the dedicated Porsche Tracks provide a unique and challenging driving environment.

The centre offers 1-to-1 guidance from a Porsche instructor for all levels of skill and packages on offer. From the 911 GT3, with it’s 4.0 litre, six-cylinder engine putting out 500HP for thrills around the track, to the Cayenne off-road experience. You’re sure to have an unforgettable experience.

A Venue For All Occasions: Located at the world-famous Shanghai International Circuit, just a short drive from the heart of Shanghai, the Porsche Experience Centre Shanghai is an ideal venue for hosting bespoke events, with the guarantee of Porsche-standard quality.

Offering a wide range of flexible spaces and state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment, whether you’re looking for an exciting place to host a product launch, a team building day or private party, the Porsche Experience Centre Shanghai allows you to combine business with pleasure.

Tel: +86 21 8031 6911

Email: experience@porsche.cn

Web: www.porsche.cn/experience

S H A N G H A I

buildings. Shanghai’s New International Expo Center (SNIEC), hotels like the RitzCarlton Shanghai, JW Marriott Hotel, InterContinetal Shanghai Pudong and more are also present.

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

PC: Firstly, the traffic is very convenient in Shanghai. You can take the metro, buses and/or taxis to go around the city, while its airports act as an important gateway, connecting to other cities in China and the Asia Pacific region.

Secondly, there are plenty of hotels to choose from. Be it the low-budget hotels or the luxurious hotels, from the international hotel groups to the boutique hotels, the city meets the demands of many different requests.

Shanghai also provides different activities. The Shanghai Disney Park and Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park are perfect for families with children; while the Shanghai Circuit is great for automotive fans.

In addition, Shanghai Tower, the tallest building in China, the Huangpu River Cruise, and Xintiandi, with the old Shikumen-style buildings of the early 20th century, are similarly fantastic attractions.

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Besides these, you can also experience the art and culture of the city by visiting art museums, theatres, and cultural exhibitions.

Personally, I think everyone should visit Shanghai at least once.

AsO: What trends are transforming the tourism industry in Shanghai at present?

How are you responding to these trends?

PC: I think there are two trends.

Firstly, our government is placing more and more emphasis on integrating the development of culture and tourism.

Secondly, with the continuous development of the social economy and the improvement of people’s living standards, people’s demands for culture and tourism are also rising. In terms of tourism, for example, people used to travel mainly by visiting scenic spots, taking photos and shopping.

Nowadays, more and more are likely to experience the lifestyle and regional culture of tourist destinations. They like to experience more culture and enjoy the local life.

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

PC: As Shanghai is the important destination for the MICE sector, we can provide professional services to support the international conference team in organising international conferences. In 2012 we issued the first local standard of conference services,

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also the first standard in China, in order to promote the positive development of the MICE industry. Besides this, we have developed an app called Venues – the leading authoritative platform in China that provides plenty of information about attractions and offers tools to help clients to organise conferences.

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

PC: Yes. The Shanghai government puts great emphasis on high-quality development of the tourism industry, aiming to build Shanghai into a worldfamous tourist city. We are working hard to promote the development of inbound tourism, attracting more and more foreigners to come to Shanghai, and I believe that with our efforts the future of the tourism industry will be brilliant.

S H A N G H A I

Outlook Recommends “Few cities in the world evoke so much history, excess, glamour, mystique and exotic promise in name alone” – Lonely Planet

THINGS TO DO

ACCOMMODATION

Disneyland

The Kunlun Jing An

The world’s sixth Disney park and the first to have opened in China, Shanghai Disney Resort has quickly become one of the city’s and indeed country’s major tourist attractions. Having opened its doors on June 16, 2016, the park welcomed 5.6 million visitors within just six months, and it’s easy to see why.

Home to seven themed areas in the form of Mickey Avenue, Gardens of Imagination, Fantasyland, Treasure Cove, Adventure Isle, Tomorrowland and Toy Story Land, the 1.5 square mile resort allows visitors to experience everything from fantasy and romance to adventure and magic.

Porsche Experience Center Shanghai The first Porsche Experience Center in Asia, the Shanghai edition can be found suitably next to the city’s international Formula 1 circuit.

The facility epitomises innovation, offering both Porsche customers and enthusiasts the opportunity to witness and experience the thrills of a racetrack, showcasing the full range of the automaker’s premium cars.

Spanning 100,000 square metres, it’s home to not only its own handling course and off-road track, but equally a restaurant, café, conference rooms and a Porsche Driver’s Selection Store. Here, you can experience the fascination of Porsche first-hand.

Shanghai Circus World 50

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Perfectly situated in the heart of Shanghai, The Kunlun Jing An offers visitors both an exceptional service and an unrivalled location in one of the city’s most fashionable commercial districts.

Building on the brand’s illustrious history, The Kunlun Beijing having been the capital’s first five-start hotel, the Shanghai edition retains this same enviable reputation, established as one of China’s finest hotels.

The hotel provides superior hospitality and unforgettable dining experiences that are underpinned by service with sincerity, and, to top it all off, the rooms offer wonderful views of the Shanghai skyline.

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The Peninsula Shanghai Opened on the Bund itself in 2009, The Peninsula Shanghai is the group’s flagship hotel in mainland china, standing as a beacon of luxury hospitality along the city’s iconic riverfront promenade. Equipped with extraordinary facilities, world-class services and critically acclaimed, Michelin star-rated restaurants, it harmonises exquisite interiors and contemporary comforts.

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MUSEUMS Shanghai Jewish Refugees Museum RESTAURANTS Aura Lounge & Jazz Bar

Shanghai Natural History Museum Shanghai Museum Four Seasons Hotel Shanghai

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Shanghai Development Exhibition Hall

The MEAT Al Borgo Urban Thai WWW.ASIAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

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S H A N G H A I

Transport Links

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extensive bus system with nearly one thousand bus lines, operated by numerous transportation companies.”

In addition, Shanghai is also home to the best managed taxi service in China, easy to spot with their bold cyan, yellow, white, green, blue, red, dark blue and dark red colours, each of these different colours representing a different operator.

“You can also take the hop-on hopoff bus to get around the city,” adds

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PHOTO: PASCAL KOBEH

AS YOU MIGHT expect from such a modern and efficient city, Shanghai has an extensive public transport system that is largely based on buses and a rapidly expanding metro system, not to mention the infamous Maglev.

“Shanghai Metro has 16 lines at present and extends to every core urban district as well as neighbouring suburban districts such as Songjiang and Jiading,” explains Chen. “Further, the city also has the world’s most

Chen. “There several different tours to choose from including the Shanghai city tour, ancient city tour, Pudong tour, expo tour and more. It provides audio guide with eight languages – it’s very easy for you to see famous Shanghai landmarks aboard this opentop double decker bus.

“Personally, however, I think the best way to get around the city is to book a private car with a private chauffeur.”

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Landmark Attractions Oriental Pearl TV Tower

Shanghai Circuit

“A motorsport racetrack, Shanghai Circuit hosts the annual Formula 1 Chinese Grand Prix. Futuristic and designed to maximize spectator excitement, the track provides an enjoyable race viewing experience” – Inspirock

IMAGE BY PLANET LABS, INC. - , CC BY-SA 4.0,

“Shanghai Oriental Pearl TV Tower, with a height of 468 metres, is the fourth highest in Asia and the sixth highest tower in the world. Built with eleven steel spheres in various sizes hanging from the blue sky to the green grassland, the body of the tower creates an admirable image, which is described in an ancient Chinese verse as large and small pearls dropping on a plate of jade” – Shanghai Highlights

Shanghai Tower

“As the third tower in the trio of signature skyscrapers at the heart of Shanghai’s new Lujiazui Finance and Trade Zone, Shanghai Tower embodies a new prototype for tall buildings. Placed in close proximity to Jin Mao Tower and Shanghai World Financial Center, the new tower rises high above the skyline, its curved façade and spiralling form symbolising the dynamic emergence of modern China” – Skyscraper Center

Yu Garden

“Yuyuan Garden, located in the centre of Shanghai’s Old Town and next door to Mandarin Gardens Bazaar, is considered one of the city’s finest, most lavish Chinese gardens. A traditional private Chinese garden park, Yuyuan Garden is replete with beautiful pavilions, lotus ponds, stone bridges and - of course - rock formations… Considered the best garden in Southeast China, Yuyuan Garden has maintained its classic beauty over the centuries” – China Travel

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M A L D I V E S

Maldives The hallmark of luxury tourism, Maldives and its array of private resort islands continues to attract growing numbers of visitors looking for the perfect retreat Writer: Tom Wadlow | Project Manager: Joe Palliser

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aldives, commonly referred to as Maldive Islands and formally known as Republic of Maldives, is a fascinating stretch of landmasses in the northern Indian Ocean.

The independent nation is made up of around 1,200 coral islands and sandbanks, of which 200 are inhabited, stretching more than 820 kilometres from north to south and 130 kilometres from east to west.

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This unique geography has resulted in a reputation for tourist luxury, with resorts often being housed on their own island and offering the perfect, allinclusive private getaway.

Permanent inhabitants are almost all Maldivian, an ethnic group formed as a result of various groups of settlers arriving throughout the country’s history, the first being Tamil and Sinhalese peoples from Sri Lanka and Southern India.

ASIA An important source of employment for locals derives from tourism, with visitors to the islands spoiled by the pristine beaches and opportunities to explore sea life and partake in water sports.

The past decade has seen the industry open up, not least because inhabitants have been granted the power to build guesthouses on their islands, providing competition to resorts which have traditionally dominated the accommodation scene here.

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Book now on pullmanhotels.com

/ BEACH POOL VILLA / PULLMAN MALDIVES MAAMUTAA RESORT / OPENING 25 SEPTEMBER 2019

PULLMAN MALDIVES MAAMUTAA WITH 122 UPSCALE AND STYLISH VILLAS AND 6 F&B OUTLETS, PULLMAN MALDIVES MAAMUTAA, IS A TRANSCENDENT ALL-INCLUSIVE RESORT, FOCUSED ON DELIVERING AN INVIGORATING EXPERIENCE. THE TWO AQUA VILLAS WITH AN UNDERWATER ROOM EACH ARE DESIGNED TO LET YOU ENJOY THE MARINE LIFE OF THE PRISTINE ISLAND WHILE YOU RELAX AND UNWIND AT THE COMFORT OF YOUR ROOM.

OUR WORLD IS YOUR PLAYGROUND GAAFU ALIFU ATOLL 20219, MAAMUTAA ISLAND, MALDIVES T. +960 6820909 / E. h9924@accor.com / W. www.pullmanhotels.com

M A L D I V E S

The Business End DESPITE ITS REPUTATION as a luxury travel destination, Maldives is one of the world’s economically poorest nations, its developing economy based around fishing and boat building.

Tourism will be vital in the ongoing development of the nation. It is a fastgrowing sector of the economy and is able to attract visitors all-year round, especially in hubs like Male which is home to an increasing number of modern hotels.

A look into February 2019’s statistics is cause for promise, with figures showing

a 16.8 percent increase in visitor arrivals compared to the same month last year.

In total, 168,583 visitors were recorded, China accounting for 17.8 percent of the total and European markets some 55 percent.

As of February 2019, 137 resorts, 151 safari vessels, 12 hotels and 526 guesthouses of local islands were in operation, creating a capacity of 45,642 beds.

FACTS & FIGURES

Capital: Male Languages: Dhivehi (Maldivian) Area: 298 km² Population (2018): 410,300 GDP (2017): $4.175 billion Currency: rufiyaa Time zone: Maldives Time Dialling code: +960 Internet TLD: .mv Climate: tropical

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Occupancy rate averaged 76 percent with an average stay of just over six days.

A key area of focus will now be on extracting more revenue per arrival.

Despite an increase in visitor numbers, tax revenue from tourism goods and services actually fell slightly when compared to the beginning of 2018.

However, the fact that 20 new resorts are due to open this year should help to bring in more income.

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M A L D I V E S

Visit Maldives VISIT MALDIVES (OR Maldives Marketing & PR Corporation (MMPRC)) is mandated to promote all things tourism in the country, marketing the nation as a go-to destination for business travellers and holiday makers alike.

A year on from last talking to the association, we caught up with Thoyyib Mohamed, the organisation’s current Managing Director, who fills us in on recent advancements made and advice for those paying the nation a visit.

Asia Outlook (AsO): What key progress have you made since we last featured Visit Maldives?

Thoyyib Mohamed (TM): Last year our main mission was to promote Maldives in different market segments.

We have made successful campaigns and progress in this regard since we AsO: How would you say the last appeared in Asia Outlook. By the Maldives has developed in recent end of March 2019, Maldives recorded years as a business travel hub and what 482,972 tourists from all over the world are the key reasons behind its growing which is an increase of 15 percent appeal? compared to the same period last year.

TM: The resorts and hotels in Maldives are increasingly designed to cater for the business traveller.

Hotels are equipped with the latest technologies to meet their needs.

Important diplomatic and business meetings happen every day at these hotels in Male City. We believe the economic megaprojects of the country play a key role in opening Maldives as a hub for business. Maldives is a fastdeveloping country with great opportunities in the travel and hospitality industry, therefore, the developmental prospect combined with the amazing natural beauty attracts a lot of Thoyyib business travellers every year.

Mohamed AsO: Why, in your opinion, should someone visit the Maldives?

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TM: Maldives is definitely unlike any other country. The beautiful geographic features, the unique culture and the warm nature of the people are some of the unmistakeable characteristics of our nation. Whether you are looking for a quiet peaceful moment in the sun or you want to stand on a roaring wave, Maldives will definitely meet your expectations.

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

TM: Each and every atoll in the Maldives has a special and unique feature. It can be a place, tradition or even a food item. In the capital city you can enjoy almost every type of major cuisine from the world. There are unique underwater attractions such as spas, restaurants and rooms in the resorts. Since Maldives is 99 percent sea, the underwater beauty and dive points are also immensely popular among tourists.

In Harmony with nature. eize The Day with Carpe Diem Cruises to experience the thrill and natural beauty of the Indian Ocean in one of the world’s best scuba diving and surf destinations. Year round the Maldives has an abundance of underwater attractions with one inspiring dive encounter after another.

If you are on a mission to live life to the full, seek the exceptional, thrive in the new, and in equal measure, enjoy the comforts of luxury while you discover everything The Maldives has to offer, then Carpe Diem Cruises is for you.

With our 3 boats, we connect the modern traveller to nature, with memories that will long be remembered. Immerse yourself in the beautiful shoals of butterfly fish and oriental sweetlips; drift into the deep blue with white tip sharks, hammerheads, manta rays and whale sharks; ride the currents along coral-filled overhangs with eagle rays, giant napoleans and blue marlin, or spot an octopus amongst the rocks.

Descend at dusk to be surrounded by nurse sharks or by daytime snorkel with the annual migration of manta rays in Hanifaru Bary, a UNESCO protected marine biosphere. We believe great scuba diving, wave surfing, fishing and tailor-made trips needn’t cost a fortune. Adventure, excitement and fun await you in the Maldives with Carpe Diem Cruises.

We take responsibility in protecting our environment and are active ghost net and lost fishing gear removers. During the last few years our crew have been involved in the rescue of several marine animals. Divers also have the opportunity to join us on specially scheduled “Dive With A Purpose Trips once a year with visiting scientists from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Marine biologists join us also on scheduled trips throughout the year where guests can learn about marine conservation, new research techniques and conduct reef surveys to ensure our underwater world remains resilient to threats from global warming.

The Maldives is known as one of the world’s best diving destinations.

Whale Sharks and Mantas, the top 2 on every divers bucket list

can be found year round. The Maldives is thought to have the largest population of Alfredi Mantas.

For the chance to snorkel with Manta Rays, our itineraries to Baa in summer visit the world famous UNESCO Biosphere Reserve where for a small park fee, guests can snorkel for an hour with these graceful creatures, creating lasting memories. This is an experience that will never be forgotten! In Sourth Ari, snorkel with the gentle giants of the ocean, the Whale Sharks and make your friends and families envious when you recount your adventures.

The Maldives has a year round tropical climate with average daily temperatures of 30 degrees and water temperatures of 27-28 degrees. There are two seasons in the Maldives - The Southwest Monsoon from May-October which generally sees weaker currents. The mantas and the whale sharks are found on the eastern side of the atolls during these periods where the visibility decreases due to the increased amount of plankton in the water. The wettest months

are June and July.

During the Northeast Monsoon from November - April, currents can be

stronger, especially in the far south where strong incoming currents attract sharks in their hundreds. Our itineraries to the far south are for more experienced divers due to the stronger currents. The driest months of the year are February and March.

Safari cruise adventures in the Maldives with Carpe Diem Cruises are remote, exotic and exciting. From our routes to the far north, the central atolls or the deep south, there is an itinerary to suit everybody and you are guaranteed to have an amazing diving holiday with us. In Harmony With Nature, Seize The Day, and book the trip of a lifetime on one of our 3 boats, The Carpe Diem, The Carpe Vita or The Carpe Novo.

Contact

T+(960) 3300883 info@carpediemmaldives.com www.carpediemmaldives.com

M A L D I V E S

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

TM: We currently have three domestic airlines in the Maldives; the national airline Maldivian and private airlines Manta Airline and Flyme travel to all areas within Maldives. Maldives also have the biggest seaplane fleet in the world, which is operated by Trans Maldivian Airways. Other than air travel, there are convenient public ferry systems and public land transport networks.

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

TM: After the introduction of the guesthouses, it has quickly become one of the most popular products from Maldives. We are also working to market cultural and experience

tourism. Our statistics show an increase in solo travellers and social media travellers, and we are currently focusing to cater to these demographics as well.

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

TM: As tourism is the largest contributor for the economy of our country, the government and the private investors have a mutual interest in the sustainability of the sector. The government is fully committed to expanding the international airport in order to increase arrivals. New resorts are developing, and many projects related to tourism are underway. Together with the Ministry of Tourism of the Maldives, MMPRC will embark on marketing campaigns and target new and emerging markets to increase exposure of the Maldives brand as a business and leisure destination.

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

TM: MMPRC is currently engaging in marketing campaigns on social media and other internet platforms. Recently we signed a contract with Singapore Airlines for a joint campaign to explore and implement activities to promote Maldives. These are just a few of the many activities we have already started this year. We are also partaking in the regular roadshows, FAM trips and international market fairs.

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

TM: Certainly, we see great potential for Maldives tourism to develop. Our marketing campaigns are not nearly as good as broad as some of our competitors’. Therefore, with the right approaches, we can certainly increase arrivals by a large amount.

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M A L D I V E S

In Focus Male THE MALDIVIAN CAPITAL Male is fascinating in that it represents a stark contrast to the isolated tranquillity of the rest of the island nation.

While the city is not awash with attractions, owing largely to its pintsized nature, it is the best place to meet locals and gain a flavour of Maldivian life. The fish market is thought as the sole of Male, a hive of activity and important source of produce for many of the city’s restaurants.

That said, it does contain some of the country’s most important cultural and historical landmarks. For example, the Old Friday Mosque is UNESCOprotected and said to be one of the best structures made out of coral anywhere in the world.

The early 20th century Muleeaage, or Sultan’s Palace, is another landmark worth visiting and is next to the Medhu

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Ziyaarath, the tomb of Abul Barakat Yoosuf Al Barbary, known for bringing the Islamic faith to Male in 1153.

More recent architecture can be found in the form of the China-Maldives Friendship Bridge, which connects the capital to nearby Hulhule. The project has been slightly controversial, with many locals claiming it will disrupt the ferry service across the lagoon.

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M A L D I V E S

Outlook Recommends

“Unrivalled luxury, stunning white-sand beaches and an amazing underwater world make Maldives an obvious choice for a true holiday of a lifetime” – Lonely Planet

HOTELS AND HOSPITALITY

WATER-BASED ACTIVITIES

Mercure Maldives Kooddoo Resort

Carpe Diem Maldives

Mercure Maldives Kooddoo Resort prides itself on being one of the best value accommodation options in the country. Owned and operated by global hotelier Accor, the resort houses 68 villas including 43 located over water and 25 scattered along the beach. The resort is built using local materials and features interior designs to reflect Maldivian culture.

Pullmann Maldives Mamamutaa Set to be opened in September 2019, Pullman Maldives is located in the Gaafu Alifu Atoll in the south of Maldives. The resort will be an all-inclusive offering with a range of accommodation both on the beach, overwater and even underwater.

Diamonds Thudufushi Situated a 20-minute scenic seaplane journey away from Male’s airport, Diamonds Thudufushi is made up of beach bungalows and overwater villas, the ideal venue for diving enthusiasts looking for a luxury choice of accommodation. This all-inclusive offering also includes a spa and other sports and excursions.

Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort Lying on the Unesco Biosphere Reserve in Baa Atoll, The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort is operated by leading international hotel company Marriott. A new overwater hotel, guests are promised unbroken ocean views, a private deck and, in some cases, a private pool. According to Marriott, some 92 percent of guests recommend this hotel.

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Owned by entrepreneurs Amir Mansoor and Agnes van Linden, Carpe Diem Maldives began life when the two met and decided to run services off of the safari boat that Mansoor had just finished building. The business has grown exponentially, the duo now running their own accommodation, Carpe Diem Beach Resort.

Ocean Watersport Extreme Maldives Aquaventure Dive Center

CONNECTIVITY Ooredoo Maldives For those needing a local mobile service when travelling to Maldives, look no further than Ooredoo. The UAE-based multinational network operator has a strong presence in the country, offering range of plans which are designed to suit both locals and tourists on the islands.

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

Enjoy the Paradise A tropical sea, the exuberance of nature, and the stark contrast of light and colours, for a heaven that can’t wait.

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TRAVEL OPERATORS Voyages Maldives With almost 40 years of experience, Voyages Maldives is a trusted provider of a number of tourist services across Maldives. From ground handling and ticketing to safari boat services and resort bookings, the company is able to take the stress of planning out of any visitor’s stay on the islands thanks to its team of experienced locals.

Emirates Qatar Airways Turkish Airlines

Cathay Pacific Thai Airways

FOOD & DRINK Citron by Lemongrass Blu Restaurant 5.8 Undersea Restaurant

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Transport Links Hulhule

Panorama of capital Male as seen from Hulhule Ferry Terminal

THE ISLAND OF Hulhule, two kilometres from Male, is home to Velana International Airport, transit hub for almost all flights in and out of Maldives. Two other international airports, Hanimaadhoo and Gan, also serve respective foreign markets in India and Sri Lanka.

Domestic routes are served by national carrier Maldivian and FlyMe, while Mega Maldives Airlines flies into Beijing and Shanghai. Air is the most efficient way of getting between the islands, with 12 airports scattered around the archipelago.

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Remoter areas can be reached by seaplane, a great way to soak up views of the islands, reefs and lagoons, while boats are another common way of navigating Maldives.

On the islands themselves, bicycles are the best way to get from A to B. These are often supplied to guests free of charge, and mean that you can easily enjoy a holiday here without having to get into a car or hop on a bus.

Male and Addu City are the only places where a bus service is necessary, the main purpose being

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to connect passengers to airports and seaplane terminals. Speedboat transfers are another option for those looking to get to and from these air transit hubs.

IMAGE BY CARPORT - OWN WORK, CC BY-SA 3.0

IMAGE BY USHAU97 - OWN WORK, CC BY-SA 3.0

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Landmark Attractions Thulusdhoo

“Thulusdhoo has traditionally been an industrious island, known for manufacturing of bodu beru (big drums), for its salted-fish warehouse and for its Coca-Cola factory, the only one in the world where the drink is made from desalinated water” – Lonely Planet

Old Friday Mosque

Thulusdhoo

National Museum

“The National Museum of Maldives is located at Sultan Park in Male, which was the former palace of the Sultan of Maldives. It houses several well-kept artefacts of Maldivian culture, including coins, royal antiques, furniture, items of clothing, embellishments and armaments” – Make My Trip

China-Maldives Friendship Bridge

“This incredibly impressive piece of engineering connects Male to the airport island of Hulhule, but unlike most of the causeways connecting islands elsewhere in the country, this $250 million project goes over the open sea, meaning that vast concrete supports have been planted in the seabed” – Lonely Planet

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IMAGE BY CARPORT - OWN WORK, CC BY-SA 3.0

“The mosque building is the biggest and one of the finest coral stone buildings in the world. In 2008 UNESCO included Male Friday Mosque and its complex in its Tentative World Heritage List” – UNESCO

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

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

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

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

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

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

FREE Mark

kmag.com www.asiaoutloo

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The road to becoming one hotel brand

China’s number

ING: ALSO FEATUR

GUIDE 20 BUSINESS TRAVEL one fine tourist destination Palau: 340 islands,

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CBRE MALAYSIA property development Empowering

CES AN RESOUR LOUD | MAS ALIBABA C

AUSTRALIA SIMEC ENERGY in Australia’s transition

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Wind in the Sails

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ore and more high and ultra-high net worth individuals are taking an interest in yachts.

From covering vessels in gold to redefining the boundaries of a superyacht’s size, the market appears to be sailing into a healthy future.

Indeed, according to Coherent Market Insights, the global demand for these larger vessels is set to surpass $35.5 billion by 2026, growing at an average rate of 5.3 percent a year.

More than 400 yachts measuring 24 or more metres in length were sold around the world in 2018, and AsiaPacific is expected to be the fastestgrowing region in the years ahead, owing to a rise in wealthy individuals and growth of marine and water-based sports tourism.

China alone is expected to see an 8.1 percent annual rise in demand for yachts until at least 2022, a market driven by its growing base of millionaires and billionaires.

This global and regional backdrop means that Australia is perfectly poised to pounce.

Home to Henderson-based (WA) Echo Marine Group, the country has been establishing itself as an economical and superior alternative to the established yacht builders of northern Europe.

Challenging this status quo has long been the ambition of Echo’s CoFounder and Director Mark Stothard, the industry veteran of 30-plus years eager to provide some healthy disruption to the sector.

Asked how important it is to compete on the global stage, he responds: “Very. We are competing in a market comprising luxury design and first-class shipbuilding, coupled with engineering superiority and the highest standards in quality.

“Aside from a few exceptions, the

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Having proven itself and Australia as a viable alternative to the traditional European establishment, Echo Marine Group is poised to serve the growing demand across Asia-Pacific for superyachts Writer: Tom Wadlow | Project Manager: Josh Mann

ASIA ECHO MARINE GROUP

Navigating Australia onto the global yacht building stage

superyacht manufacturing industry centres around numerous German, Dutch, Italian and more recently some Turkish shipyards. Several of the German, Dutch and Italian yards offer very traditional superyacht platforms and build experiences and premium branding, with premium price tags attached.”

The New World of yacht building

Echo Marine Group, through its manufacturing, refit and maintenance brand Echo Yachts, is transforming these perceptions.

While the company offers the same fundamentals relating to luxury design, experience and strength in shipbuilding and engineering, Stothard explains a number of distinct advantages built upon Western Australia’s rich shipbuilding heritage.

A leading light to renewable power

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

www.asiaoutlookmag.com/get-involved

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ore and more high and ultra-high net worth individuals are taking an interest in yachts.

From covering vessels in gold to redefining the boundaries of a superyacht’s size, the market appears to be sailing into a healthy future.

Indeed, according to Coherent Market Insights, the global demand for these larger vessels is set to surpass $35.5 billion by 2026, growing at an average rate of 5.3 percent a year.

More than 400 yachts measuring 24 or more metres in length were sold around the world in 2018, and AsiaPacific is expected to be the fastestgrowing region in the years ahead, owing to a rise in wealthy individuals and growth of marine and water-based sports tourism.

China alone is expected to see an 8.1 percent annual rise in demand for yachts until at least 2022, a market driven by its growing base of millionaires and billionaires.

This global and regional backdrop means that Australia is perfectly poised to pounce.

Home to Henderson-based (WA) Echo Marine Group, the country has been establishing itself as an economical and superior alternative to the established yacht builders of northern Europe.

Challenging this status quo has long been the ambition of Echo’s CoFounder and Director Mark Stothard, the industry veteran of 30-plus years eager to provide some healthy disruption to the sector.

Asked how important it is to compete on the global stage, he responds: “Very. We are competing in a market comprising luxury design and first-class shipbuilding, coupled with engineering superiority and the highest standards in quality.

“Aside from a few exceptions, the

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superyacht manufacturing industry centres around numerous German, Dutch, Italian and more recently some Turkish shipyards. Several of the German, Dutch and Italian yards offer very traditional superyacht platforms and build experiences and premium branding, with premium price tags attached.”

The New World of yacht building

Echo Marine Group, through its manufacturing, refit and maintenance brand Echo Yachts, is transforming these perceptions.

While the company offers the same fundamentals relating to luxury design, experience and strength in shipbuilding and engineering, Stothard explains a number of distinct advantages built upon Western Australia’s rich shipbuilding heritage.

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Wind in the Sails Having proven itself and Australia as a viable alternative to the traditional European establishment, Echo Marine Group is poised to serve the growing demand across Asia Pacific for superyachts Writer: Tom Wadlow | Project Manager: Josh Mann

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The first revolves around Echo’s onestop-shop setup, its site in Henderson home to a full in-house design and manufacturing service.

“To add to this, we offer one-of-akind hull and engineering platform designs, delivering truly innovative superyachts to clients who appreciate engineering boldness,” Stothard adds.

INTRODUCING ECHO MARINE GROUP Echo Marine Group Pty Ltd is based in Henderson at the Australian Marine Complex near Fremantle in Western Australia.

The company provides its international and national customers a very diverse skill set and depth of experience, world-class quality and innovation through the following marine manufacturing, refit and sustainment services: • 100 percent custom large superyacht design, manufacture, refit and sustainment (through the Echo Yachts brand).

• 100 percent custom commercial vessel design, manufacture, refit and sustainment.

• Defence manufacturing and sustainment services.

Recent years have seen the company repeatedly recognised by industry peers, its string of awards including: • Australian Superyacht Industry Awards 2015: Winner – Business of the Year (Manufacturer).

• Australian Superyacht Industry Awards 2017: Winner – Business of the Year (Manufacturer).

• Australian Superyacht Industry Awards 2019: Winner – Business of the Year (Project, Design, Manufacturer).

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“Further, our advanced trimaran and catamaran multi-hull platform options deliver vast powering and efficiency gains compared to traditional monohulled superyachts, translating into enhanced stability and comfort, reduced running costs and minimised environmental impact through the vessel’s lifecycle.”

The use of lightweight and high strength construction technologies, coupled with a more commercially orientated cost base and pricing structure, helps Echo to deliver sizable financial savings versus its European counterparts.

Two flagship examples underline this point.

Asked what projects instill a particular essence of pride, Stothard highlights the 84-metre trimaran superyacht M/Y White Rabbit and the 51-metre catamaran yacht support vessel M/Y Charley, both of which have received multiple awards.

The former is the largest superyacht to be built in Australia by a factor of two and is the biggest aluminium and trimaran superyacht in the world.

It is also the first Aussie-made diesel electric vessel of its kind, receiving a Judges Commendation in the Displacement Motor Yachts category (2,000 GT and above) at the 2019 World Superyacht Awards. At the 2019 BOAT Design & Innovation Awards, White Rabbit won in the Best Naval Architecture (Displacement Motoryacht) field.

Charley is another flagship for both Echo and Australia. It is both the largest vacuum resin infused composite vessel and biggest catamaran superyacht built in the country, shortlisted as a finalist at the 2017 World Superyacht Awards in the Best Shadow Vessel category.

Stothard comments: “Whilst word of mouth promotion and print and online media advertising are very important within the marine sector, we feel that industry and peer recognition is also a

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NAIAD DYNAMICS

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he 84-metre trimaran White Rabbit is unlike any other yacht in the world, so her motion control system would have to be the most unique and sophisticated ever produced for the yacht market.

Naiad Dynamics was distinctly qualified to meet that challenge using its Total Ride Control® (TRC) ship motion control technology.

TRC is a multi-axis system capable of simultaneously dampening roll, pitch, heave and yaw using a wide variety of effectors that are automatically and continuously positioned by an advanced control system.

Although a recent introduction for luxury yachts, these effectors and controls have been developed and perfected by Naiad Dynamics over decades while supplying commercial and military ships.

Active fins, canards, T-foils, spanning foils, interceptors, yaw fins, rudders and other effectors are used in various combinations to provide the most effective solution regardless of hull form, speed or intended use of the vessel.

For White Rabbit, four active foils spanning between the centre and outer hulls (two per side) were selected due to the unique characteristics of a trimaran hull.

The foils are individually controlled to provide roll, pitch and heave control as well as maintain a true running attitude (list and trim). In addition, a single active trim tab was fitted to the center hull to assist with pitch and trim control. The TRC system not only improves seakeeping and delivers the most comfortable ride, it also maximises fuel efficiency and minimises point-to-point travel times.

Naiad Dynamics: more than just roll stabilisation.

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Naiad®, Naiad Dynamics®, Total Ride Control®, AtRest®, and The Science of Ship Motion Control® are registered trademarks of Naiad Maritime Group Inc.

84m MY White Rabbit featuring ND Total Ride Control®

Total Ride Control® Like White Rabbit, you and your guests can enjoy the ultimate in comfort, seakeeping and fuel economy. ND Total Ride Control offers fully integrated and continuous control of roll, pitch, heave & yaw motions. Our advanced electronics combined with actively-controlled fins, T-foils, lifting foils, canards, interceptors, flaps, trim tabs or rudders is the technology of choice for demanding naval and commercial ship applications—now available for your monohull or multihull yacht.

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Military-grade technology, quality and durability for your luxury yacht

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fundamental element helping us raise the profile of our company, brand and product offerings internationally and domestically within Australia.

“The White Rabbit and Charley builds were incredible to be a part of and I am proud to have been involved.

Many of the team here at Echo Yachts often approach me and thank me for having them on the Echo team for such landmark projects, which is always nice to hear.”

Indeed, the very existence of Echo Marine Group is owed to these two vessels.

Beginning his career in the late 1970s as an aircraft engineer, Stothard has been building up contacts in the

shipbuilding industry since the early 1980s, buying a 50 percent stake in Australia’s most successful cruise company, True North Adventure Cruises, in 2003.

“In 2014 an opportunity was presented to me to tackle the build of White Rabbit and Charley for a past client,” he recalls.

“Myself and my team saw this as not just an excellent project, but also a chance to bring together our preexisting team’s large shipbuilding and luxury yacht knowledge, combined with that rescued from ex-Oceanfast team members. This has resulted in us having an exceptionally skilled team through such a successful knowledge transfer.”

ECHO YACHTS & LIFTEMOTION

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cho Yachts & Lift-emotion inked their commitment during the Mets in Amsterdam.

LE delivered an passenger elevator for the M/Y White Rabbit and a foodlift for the Shadow Yacht Rabbit.

During the project, Lift-emotion also delivered a special drive system to move a special glass panel inside the vessel.

Lift-emotion delivers bespoke elevators for yachts but also for high end residential projects all over the world.

With the use of the latest technologies to assure a smooth and trouble free ride.

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The team and tools for the job

Echo Marine Group is home to some of the strongest yacht building talent, helping Australia compete with its European counterparts

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Stothard himself has been recognised for his contribution to the industry.

Recipient of the Marine Industry Champion prize at the 2019 World Superyacht Awards, he is quick to praise what he describes as an extremely talented team which has ably supported him throughout this journey.

At Echo, this 130-strong team is the lifeblood of the operation, the company drawing on the region’s hallmark for shipbuilding talent.

“We are situated in the Australian Marine Complex which is home to the majority of Australia’s large commercial shipbuilding and both of Australia’s large superyacht manufacturers,” Stothard explains.

“Our local industry has world renowned expertise in high performance aluminium commercial vessels, plus the heritage of a luxury skilled workforce originally built up through the 1980’s and 90’s by former

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EXCELLENCE IN ELEVATOR ENGINEERING We build elevators for yachts, offshore, residential and commercial use

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West Australian superyacht builder Oceanfast.

“This provides a very skilled and experienced pool to draw upon and helps to ensure we have the best possible staff and skills. We can also expand for multiple overlapping large projects when the need arises.”

Echo also invests notable resources into hiring and training apprentices

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across all in-house disciplines, helping initiate the sharing of knowledge between generations – only very occasionally will the company draw on expertise from overseas.

This cohort of knowledge combine with Echo Marine Group’s facilities to present a unique Australian shipbuilding offering.

Its site in Henderson comprises 100-metre and 80-metre shipbuilding halls which house specialist trade workshops, five- and three-axis NC mould and sheet cutting equipment, and large project/design office spaces.

“Echo Marine Group is the only superyacht and shipbuilding company in Australia capable of designing and building large one-of-a-kind vessels in any material (aluminium, composite and steel) in any hull form (monohull, catamaran and trimaran),” Stothard says.

“This ensures that all client requirements can be efficiently created and delivered to the highest standards under one roof.”

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Futureproofing

As the regional demand for superyachts grows, Echo Marine Group appears well set to exploit new business opportunities both in this segment and its commercial and defence units.

Looking ahead, Stothard identifies technical innovation as a must-have moving forwards, something which Echo already abundantly houses.

“Increasing performance and efficiency, minimising environmental impact and reducing vessel operating costs throughout lifecycle will be key,” he says. “We have observed many of the traditional shipyards applying state-of-the-art and often expensive

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new tech and software solutions to achieve marginal gains in these areas.

“Echo Marine Group has already realised, delivered and proven far greater improvements, including 30 to 40 percent lower engine powering and fuel burn, extended range with reduced fuel capacity, and greater stability for comfort.”

These credentials were achieved with M/Y White Rabbit’s advanced trimaran multi-hull platform, a process which utilised current, reliable and affordable equipment technologies laid out and integrated in a smart way.

Stothard hints at new designs to be released into the luxury market in the coming months, the company

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also continuing with its refit work and looking to commence on some newbuild projects.

“On the commercial front we are building some very large aluminium vessel components as a subcontractor for a large international project, and providing sustainment services to several vessels in service,” he adds, detailing Echo’s activities beyond Echo Yachts.

“We are also planning to expand our defence service offerings with the manufacture of certain specialist components and installation of specialist coating systems. This will include producing large components and modules, plus specialist fitout,

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electrical and engineering services for large defence contractors.”

The future thus looks a vibrant one for Echo Marine Group across all three of its specialist areas.

Add in the backdrop of a busy Asia-Pacific market on its doorstep, and Australia is very much open for business on the yacht building stage.

Echo Marine Group Tel: +61 (0)8 6555 4988 wa@echomarinegroup.com www.echomarinegroup.com

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Redefining Real Estate

In spite of less certain macroeconomic factors, Malaysia remains competitive.

“The country offers the fourth most competitive leasing costs and second most competitive fit out costs in Asia Pacific, not to mention being the eighth most competitive nation from a facility management cost perspective.

“Couple this with a well educated yet relatively medium wage population

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Leveraging the global reach of CBRE and the local nous of its Malaysian employees, Bala Vijayasingam and his team are empowering property development across the country Writer: Jonathan Dyble Project Manager: Tom Cullum

and Malaysia offers attractive incentives to potential investors when it comes to setting up operations or manufacturing hubs.”

A Malaysian national born and bred, Bala Vijayasingam is a firm believer that the region’s real estate has become a flagship for economic potential and prosperity.

“Indeed, the market in Malaysia has softened this year,” he continues.

“However, we have seen an increased

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appetite to locate manufacturing facilities in Malaysia – perhaps a silver lining as a result of the prolonged China US trade war.”

Heading up the country operations of CBRE, the world’s largest commercial real estate services and investment firm, Bala has witnessed first-hand this changing albeit relatively optimistic climate, noting that the office market in particular remains especially active.

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“The market as a whole is a tenants’ market,” he affirms. “The Klang Valley area in the west, for example, home to Kuala Lumpur, has seen two consecutive years of circa 10 percent increase in the available supply.

“Occupancy rates were previously hovering at 80 percent, while this increased supply places the onus on developers to boost the attractiveness of their offerings to prospective tenants.”

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AI

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Our team at AI Associates is made up of talented professionals from diverse backgrounds and skill sets. We draw on our collective expertise to provide a full selection of architectural interior services. AI Associates work as a single source of contact from project conception through delivery, to offer innovative and productive design solutions.

Singapore | Kuala Lumpur | Jakarta | Shanghai | Beijing | Phnom Penh | Yangon | Ho Chi Minh

Ai Associates offering solution through a range of services including: •

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Ai Associates

Ai Associates Pte Ltd

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It is here where CBRE Malaysia has been able to thrive, supporting its clients by filtering the good opportunities from the bad and advising owners on realistic opportunities in order to enhance their assets for the region’s pool of prospective tenants.

Be it technical due diligence, project management or the ever-increasing role of its growing principal business, the company’s full range of real estate services have established it as the goto entity for client support.

Local nous, international expertise

It is this ability to excel on multiple fronts that Bala is quick to highlight, citing it as one of CBRE Malaysia’s key differentiating factors.

“We’re better connected, better resourced to support our clients and committed to growing our presence,” he states. “There are perhaps other companies who operate in our sectors who can stake their own claims to these points, but not to all three.”

The firm’s network of global partners and clients equally is outlined

LEADERSHIP FOCUS

BALA VIJAYASINGAM With a background in civil engineering, Bala Vijayasingam spent the initial years of his career post-graduation at a multi-disciplinary engineering consultancy. During this time, he became chartered with the Institution of Civil Engineers.

“As a young engineer, the focus was primarily on highways and bridges,” he explains. “During this initial period, project management formed an area of competency necessary for chartership and I was able to develop this further by joining a subsidiary of the engineering company that focused on project management.

“It was also active in real estate project management and this is where I cut my teeth on critical infrastructure, office projects and the wide spectrum of real estate.”

From here, Bala worked on projects across Asia and Europe, before relocating more permanently to Southeast Asia in 2012 – a region where real estate project management had become particularly active.

“Following a move to set up our offices in Malaysia back in 2014, I subsequently joined CBRE in 2017, recognised leaders not just in real estate project management but in real estate globally,” he adds.

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as a major asset by the country head, providing a secure, long-term and solid base of works to support the regional division’s ongoing growth.

It is arguably the company’s staff, however, that truly set CBRE Malaysia apart, home to the largest team of talented industry specialists and project managers in the country.

“It is good to take due cognisance of the diversity of our team and the strength it affords us,” Bala Vijayasingam affirms.

“The team is diverse and not just from a gender perspective. We’ve got team members who are relatively new to this industry whilst others have over 40 years of experience! Some are from the Asian sub-continent and others even from outside of Asia.

“We have engineers, interior designers, ex-contractors, quantity surveyors and architects adding to the pool of skillsets which we’re able to bring to the table for our clients.”

Going above and beyond, these skillsets are bolstered by the business itself in a circular fashion.

Each of its project managers are placed on a mandatory training programme, developed in conjunction with the University of Texas, upon appointment – a scheme that lasts between 10 months and a year.

[Malaysia] offers the fourth most competitive leasing costs and second most competitive fit out costs in Asia Pacific, not to mention being the eighth most competitive nation from a facility management cost perspective”

Q&A with Jeff Choo, Managing Director, AI Associates 1. For starters, can you tell us more about yourself and also about the birth of AI Associates?

I graduated from Temasek Polytechnic School of Interior Architecture and Design with merit. I was also awarded the prestigious Singapore Design Council Gold Medal for being the top graduate in the School of Design. This is a significant milestone for me because it set the path for me to pursue a career in the building and design industry.

After graduation, I completed national service and I was then hired by an international design firm specialising in corporate office interior design.

Although I have a design background and relevant design qualifications, I started off doing quantity surveying and project management before taking on a designer role. This gave me the opportunity to understand the whole process of executing projects from design to project management as well as cost and quality control.

Later on, these came in as necessary skillsets when I decided to start my own firm after six years of being in the industry and having won a few design awards. It was in August 2003 that I established AI Associates in Singapore. This company was incorporated as a onestop shop that offers impressive, creative workspace design as well as quality construction services.

Within the last couple of years, I am proud to see how much AI Associates has grown. Today, we have operations in Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Myanmar and Cambodia. Moving forward, our vision is to have operations throughout Southeast Asia and China in the near future to better service our pool of multinational clients.

2. What distinguishes AI Associates from other businesses in your category?

The distinguishing factor would be the level of service and creative designs generated by our pool of award-winning designers that we can provide

for our multinational clientele. We are also able to leverage on our regional presence to facilitate better communications with clients that are looking to expand their operations in the region as all of our offices maintain the same level of design standards and quality that one will expect from a Singaporean brand.

3. What is your business’ biggest challenge?

The biggest challenge will be maintaining our high standards of first class design with quality construction as AI Associates begins its expansion plans into the rest of Southeast Asia.

4. What was the “big break� that helped AI Associates get recognised?

During the first year of operations, we submitted one of our projects for design competition. We were awarded one of the top three positions which helped us garner quite a lot of attention and publicity. The client was very impressed and gave us a great video testimonial commending us on the outstanding work done for their offices.

5. What do you think will be the most important factors in influencing the future of workspace design?

I think one of the most influencing factors for the future of workspace design will be the communication tools that are forever changing the way we communicate. The workspace is essentially just a space to facilitate that and as communication tools evolve and get more and more advanced, the physical office space could one day be obsolete and become just a part of the space that we live and play in.

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An extensive online module, it provides CBRE’s staff with education on par with that of the globally renowned Project Management Institute (PMI), yet its teachings are more tailored to the sectors and verticals in which the firm operates, be it rainwater harvesting, smart lighting solutions or next-gen façade technologies.

In the eyes of Bala, combining these world class training offerings with an emphasis on hiring a mixture of local and international talent has proven to be invaluable.

He explains: “Hiring locally was at the very forefront of our initial growth plans. I strongly believe that delivering locally requires a strong local team.

“From a cultural familiarity perspective and price, it indeed proved to be a key cornerstone of our local business’s early growth. Subsequently, with volume, we have been able to bring in key hires from outside of Malaysia to expand the breadth of our talent pool.

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“We’ve also been able to support the global mobility of our people through this approach. We would like to think that our global footprint helps support the CBRE family when it comes to relocation, not only boosting the global retention of our talent, but equally acting as a key recruitment driver across multiple regions.”

Partner power

Malaysia is a hot market for office rental

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The merits of this global footprint that Bala references present themselves in a multitude of other ways.

Considering the company’s supply chain operations, for example, CBRE’s international pedigree allows the Malaysian operations to leverage a number of reliable partners that the group works with on a global scale.

The Fusion Programme, part of the firm’s project management business, is a prime example of this, utilising the group’s standing to drive cost reductions and savings by working with qualified service providers and suppliers.

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“What international suppliers bring with them is a certain level of consistency that our global clients are comfortable with,” Bala reveals.

“Through this programme we aim to maintain a consistent output at an attractive price point that serves as an option for our client’s consideration, noting always that CBRE is always open to working with the broader supply chain on the proviso that they best serve the client’s needs and circumstances.”

This strategy forms the core of CBRE’s rigorous supply chain programme, the firm simultaneously operating a transparent procurement platform to ensure its clients benefit from the best solutions providers available in any given market at any given time.

“It is critical to note that project success is only achieved when multiple spokes come together to deliver a successful outcome,” Bala adds.

“Without strong supply chain partners,

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CBRE Malaysia’s operational expertise have unsurprisingly translated into numerous project successes over the years

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ince its inception in year 2005, Artmatrix has become a leading Malaysian office furniture designer and manufacturer, with global operation showrooms established in metropolis of Southeast Asia. Today, Artmatrix has set its global footprint across five continents with market presence in Australia, Canada, India, Mauritius, Qatar, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, UAE, UK and many more. Our success is built upon a strategic foundation that focuses on design and innovation, product leadership, modularity, responsiveness to our partners and a commitment to long term relationships for both local and international clients.

Artmatrix has myriad solutions that support the complex integration of people and technology.

Integration in turn provides extreme adaptability for our customers and this gives our customers the ability to be more sustainable. In addition, our unique design point of view is to meet the new generation (Gen Y) futuristic requirements, ease of configuration, facilitate productivity and create an inspirational work space solution for a global marketplace. Therefore, we ensure every product complies with BIFMA standards.

Artmatrix’s extensive and innovative product portfolio encompasses diverse lines of system furniture, mobile desk systems, seatings and storages. We work diligently in delivering our products and services to meet customer’s requirement or standards through the creation of an environmentally friendly and conducive working culture focusing on continual improvement. Hence, we move swiftly to create and customise products to meet customers’ unique work space needs. Entering into digital era, Artmatrix has increased its online presence to better serve our customers through various digital channels.

Social networks, corporate and dealers websites as well as online communication channels have provided 24-seven access to our company and product information across the globe with ease. In 2018, we also moved to business-to-consumer (B2C) commerce by launching our online store “OurShop”, with the aim to providing convenience and timely delivery to customers’ door steps. As we noticed the huge potential in online market, we are expanding our ecommerce to create a fluid customer experience by offering an entire realm of products possibilities.

As a world class manufacturer and corporation that prides itself on being a design centric organisation that cares for its people and environment, we strive to create a unique biosphere that engenders this belief, in everything we do. In 2011, we became the first entity in our industry to achieve Good Environmental Choice Australia (GECA) ecolabel, testament to our compliance with highest standards of environmental care. Given our green policy, Artmatrix converts into a Green Building Index (GBI) certified building which upholds sustainable operations and processes.

Following our environmental accomplishments and leadership, we are honoured with the highest accolade by attaining the Prime Minister’s Hibiscus Award as Notable Achievement in Environmental Performance in 2015.

www.artmatrix.com.my

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PLM

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LM is an interior fit-out specialist that provides a one-stop service encompassing traditional interior fit-out and refurbishment contracting, construction management and turnkey solutions. We are proud to be a preferred delivery partner to CBRE. Since our establishment in 2007 we have continuously evolved to ensure we meet market demands and client expectations with regards to health and safety, project quality and on-time and within budget project delivery.

With a team of around 100 experienced and dedicated project staff supported by a supply chain of reliable vendors and a skilled workforce, we have successfully ‘rolled out’ more that 20 million square feet of office, hospitality, commercial and prime residential interior real estate space.

including some newly established relationships with local suppliers, we cannot succeed.”

Driving diversification

From industry leading expertise to esteemed supply chain strategies, CBRE Malaysia’s operational expertise

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have unsurprisingly translated into numerous project successes over the years.

Recent evidence of this comes in the form of Principal – a relatively new string to the company’s extensive bow being used to deliver turnkey solutions.

“We have not traditionally operated as contractors,” states Bala, “and it is important to distinguish our Principal model from run-of-the-mill solutions offered by contractors or EPC parties.

“Right now, there are different levels of maturity for this model – EMEA has been operating it for a significantly longer period, for example – but in Malaysia we have been delivering Principal as a solution on select projects where the scope is well understood and defined.”

Heavy mechanical component installation and equipment replacement procedures have come under this, Bala citing his pride regarding a particular data centre project for an oil and gas major in the region.

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We are able to service an established list of public and corporate sector clientele via our headquarters in Kuala Lumpur and regional offices in Johor Baru, Kota Kinabalu and Jakarta. Our future aspiration to expand throughout Southeast Asia can be realised through strategic alliances with delivery partners like CBRE.

T +603-4278 4088 F +603-4278 4098 E bd@plmgrp.com

www.plmgrp.com

Interior Fit-Out

Building Refurbishment

Design & Build

M&E Engineering

PLM is an interior fit-out specialist, offering construction services for the fit-out and refurbishment for a wide spectrum of sectors such as offices, hospitality and various others.

TRANSFORMING IDEAS KUALA LUMPUR (HQ) Tel: +603-4278 4088 Fax: +603-4278 4098 Email: bd@plmgrp.com www.plmgrp.com

PLM’s clientele comprises mainly of premium companies with demanding standards, and we have consistently delivered on their high expectations. As professionals, we understand the issues and we are innovative with our solutions.

We always put our clients’ interests first. Our approach with each and every one of our projects is focused on giving our clients the certainty of: highest quality, timely delivery, controlled cost, reduced risk and maximised value.

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PRINCIPAL’S PRINCIPLES The latest arm of expertise being added to CBRE’s extension service portfolio, Principal is a model that the company is currently focused on developing and honing. Bala Vijayasingam explains how it operates in practice: “Right now, we’re pitching our Principal services to more diverse project scopes, including fit-out projects. The model enables our clients to have a single point of contract with CBRE who manage all downstream delivery partners in terms of their performance and their payment through a transparent, open book model.

“In doing this, CBRE would prefer to be engaged as the client’s project manager in the first instance and following our development of their unique brief and strategic delivery model, we would procure the delivery partners in tandem with our clients, providing them with the opportunity to select which party we subsequently contract through CBRE. “Our Principal resources would then become involved, serving a construction management function to coordinate and manage the appointed delivery partners from a scope, quality, time and importantly health and safety perspective.

“The Principal model sees CBRE agree two fee components with our clients – a resource fee for the project and construction management services, with a separate competitive mark-up fee agreed for the contracts we engage to cater for risk and profit.”

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“The entire project, which involved the installation of new UPS (uninterruptible power supply) and CRAC (computer room air conditioning) units, was delivered on time with the highest levels of health and safety observed throughout, without any unplanned disruptions to our client’s business,” he states.

“The nature of the work saw our team deliver the works almost exclusively through night shifts, highlighting the flexibility and dedication of local individuals to support our clients’ goals.”

As the conversation continues, the country head equally cities CBRE Malaysia’s role in the Tun Razak Exchange (TRX) development as one that is particularly exciting.

A site consisting of parcels of land under private development, government infrastructure and a joint venture with an international developer constructing a green roof retail centre, hotel blocks, office towers and residential offerings, the colossal 70-acre plot is expected to deliver 10 million square feet in office space to Kuala Lumpur upon completion.

“We’re very excited about the associated increase in opportunities that this will bring about,” Bala reveals.

“CBRE has been involved on projects in TRX for a number of years, supporting client leasing arrangements, performing valuations, monitoring and controlling base build progress, delivering workplace consultancy services and directing office fit-out projects on real estate for multinational companies with interests there.

“Moving forward, we are also intrigued to explore opportunities to support facilities management services to bring the full scope of our offerings to bear at this new financial centre.

“It’s an area that will emerge as a core hub of the city in years to come.”

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Whilst we focus on other areas, such as the tenant fit out and industrial projects to generate growth, we will be well placed to support future new build opportunities” Maintaining momentum

In truth, the enterprise has a lot to be excited about in the short to medium term.

While CBRE will be looking to consistently meet its annual financial targets much like any other business, diversification and expansion through channels such as Principal pose as equally exciting ventures moving forward.

“We want to do more new build projects, more industrial projects, more Principal projects and maintain our market leading position in the office fit out sector,” affirms Bala.

“Equally, as we look to further

enhance the management structure of our team, our senior figures will be able to step up outside of the project delivery services niche. This will be necessary to develop the managerial capability of our people as well as to provide opportunities for career advancements within CBRE.” Eyeing growth both in terms of its team and its portfolio, Bala once again draws upon his opening optimism, referring to the abundance of opportunities that the Malaysian market is expected to provide moving forward.

He concludes, reiterating these cautious yet buoyant forecasts: “The recent additions to office and retail

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supply here may dampen new build launches for now, but the market has historically been cyclical in Malaysia and these are expected to grow again in the medium term.

“Whilst we focus on other areas, such as the tenant fit out and industrial projects to generate growth, we will be well placed to support future new build opportunities.

“CBRE is here for the long term – we will look to support all our clients, domestic and international, to recognise their real estate ambitions as part of their wider business success in Malaysia.”

CBRE Tel: +60 (3) 7680 2100 www.cbre.com

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Consulting Across Continents From its bases in Perth, Brisbane and Manila, ECG Engineering is imparting reputed Australian expertise on multifaceted projects both at home and abroad, especially in West Africa Writer: Tom Wadlow | Project Manager: Tom Cullum

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est Africa’s mining industry is picking up some momentum.

According to Research and Markets’ Mining in West Africa 2019 report, West African nations exported $16.1 billion of minerals in 2017, up some 26 percent on the previous year.

Gold is a particularly promising

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subsector. The region was accountable for 9.4 percent of global supply in 2016, while almost three quarters of all exploration projects here are focused on this precious metal.

Foreign direct investment is vital to this ongoing development of West Africa’s mining sector.

Several large multinational

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corporations are committed to large projects, while foreign expertise is also being utilised effectively to ensure developments are executed to the highest international standards.

Enter Australia’s ECG Engineering.

Provider of a wide range of services to the mining, utilities and materials handling industries around the globe,

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ECG Engineering was formed in 2015

its expertise covers the likes of feasibility studies, system studies and audits, design, project management, procurement, construction management and site support.

It is a relatively new enterprise and, for Principle Consultant and Director Geoff Bailey, represented another opportunity to build up an enterprise

from scratch.

“I am an electrical engineer and have been involved in the mining industry for 40 years,” he says.

“After owning and running BEC Engineering for 18 years and being bought out by a larger company (Cardno), it was time to set up again with other partners in 2015, once more

as an electrical engineering consulting company concentrated on servicing the mining industry worldwide and predominantly in Australia and Africa.”

Around 50 percent of the company’s work is carried out in Africa, in particular West Africa in association with Australian and international mining companies and their partners.

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Headquartered in Perth, Western Australia, ECG also has a base in Brisbane and the Philippine capital Manila.

“Our clients are supported by a team of highly qualified professionals with worldwide experience in the design, construction and commissioning of various process plants and infrastructure,” Bailey adds.

“Our execution model is built around a flexible approach in collaboration with our customers.”

A growing portfolio

This is best shown in practice by ECG’s ever-expanding portfolio of projects.

Regarding its work on the African continent, Bailey points to the recently completed Ity Gold Mine for Endeavour Mining in Cote d’Ivoire as a typical showcase of the company’s services.

He explains: “In this project ECG was responsible for the initial feasibility study, negotiating with the government utility for a power

ECG IN AUSTRALIA Closer to home, ECG Engineering provides both EPC and EPCM services to its customers, this turnkey nature of its capabilities proving to be a key selling point.

In Western Australia, the company recently worked with Galaxy Resources on the expansion of its lithium plant at Mt Cattlin, two kilometres north of the town of Ravensthorpe.

In Greenbushes, also WA, ECG is engaged on a tailings retreatment project with Talison Lithium, its endeavours focussing on the construction of the associated infrastructure and related services.

Although much of the company’s work in Australia is centred around its headquarters in Perth, it recently opened a new branch in Brisbane, a move which presented new opportunities by bringing it closer to engineering talent on the eastern side of the country.

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connection agreement, detailed design of the power supply system and the processing plant, procurement of materials and installation contractors from international markets, construction supervision, commissioning and ongoing site support.”

This is one of two recently completed projects for Endeavour in Côte d’Ivoire, the other being its Agbaou Gold Mine, while in the same country ECG has worked with Aussie firm Perseus Mining on its Sissingue Gold Mine.

The company has further been involved with several gold mining

projects in Burkina Faso and Senegal for the likes of Teranga Gold, SEMAFO, Nordgold and Toro Gold, among other international clients.

That ECG has been able to execute such a solid pipeline of work in the region is testament to both its depth of expertise and willingness to face challenges.

“We are extremely proud of some of the West African gold projects,” Bailey adds. “These developments pose significant hurdles around logistics, negotiation with government utilities, engagement of local employees and workers, safety of employees, workhome balance and family pressures.

ARMSTRONG ELECTRICAL

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rmstrong Electrical (AEW) provides electrical equipment and solutions for projects in the mining, oil and gas and renewable energy sectors.

Armstrong Electrical is a leading electrical equipment supplier of both standard products and a facilitator of custom products and solutions. AEW has been supplying electrical products direct to mines throughout Africa, Australia and worldwide for 35 years.

Electrical products include HV, LV, cable, industrial and solar lighting, conduit, switchgear, transformers, enclosures, instrumentation and more.

AEW attributes its longstanding success to our impressive client list and staff of engineers, electricians and management that serve our clients.

T +618 9445 3733 E sales@armstrong-electrical.com.au

www.armstrong-electrical.com.au

ENVIROBLUE (PTY) LTD

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nviroblue (Pty) Ltd is an automation systems and process control integrations company based in South Africa with projects spread throughout Africa, Europe, Asia and South America. Specialising in electrical and instrumentation design, supply of equipment, fibre optic network solutions and on-site support services.

Headquartered in Perth, Western Australia, ECG also has bases in Brisbane and Manila

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Enviroblue’s team has a combined experience of over 50 years within the automation and engineering industry.

Providing the total process control solutions for any process plants/mines. As Siemens System Integrators, our solutions and services include installation, configuration, programming, commissioning of AS/OS stations, webserver, industrial ethernet and profibus/profinet network solutions.

In addition to that we offer product sales for hardware, software and licensing for all industrial equipment. Including the manufacture of PLC cabinets and remote IO panels. As well as remote system support and on site handling of general troubleshooting enquiries at your convenience.

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Specialists in electrical supplies and solutions

SALES +618 9445 3733 sales@armstrong-electrical.com.au www.armstrong-electrical.com.au

Enviroblue is an Automation Systems & Process Control Integrations company based in South Africa, also specializing in Electrical and Instrumentation design, supply of equipment, Fibre Optic Network solutions and on-site support services.

Engineering Office: Web: Email:

+27 (0) 11 655 7197 www.enviroblue.co.za sales@enviroblue.co.za

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“ECG has become known for taking on work that others prefer to leave”

MCA

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CA was recently awarded a contract with ECG for the LV Equipment for the new Sandrado Gold Plant located in Burkino Faso.

“ECG has become known for taking on work that others prefer to leave.

We get involved early in mining projects due to our experience with electricity grids in various African countries in particular.

“For example, ECG has modelled the electricity grids in Tanzania and Ghana and in part Burkina Faso and Côte d’Ivoire. This enables us to see the pressure points within the grids and support infrastructure that may be required to support additional new loads.

“To this end, we have worked directly

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with the utility in Tanzania in grid support schemes. We have experience in solar and battery storage power generation systems so can advise on a variety of power source options to our clients including grid, embedded generation and hybrid systems.”

Setting the standard

This impressive track record, both at home and abroad, has validated ECG’s approach to business to date, and Bailey outlines several areas in which he believes the company stands apart from competitors.

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The project included the supply of all the low voltage control centres and mobile substations. This mine will be supplied with five of MCA’s Sivacon S8 Low Voltage MCC’s installed within containerised substations.

These substations will be complete with VESDA fire protection systems, Aircons and pressurisation units, Schneider APC UPS’s, and all small power and lighting equipment. These units will be pre-commissioned and tested in Johannesburg in July and shipped to site in August 2019, ready to run.

E Dion@motorcontrol.co.za

www.motorcontrol.co.za

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Multi Equipment and Engineering Services Limited

United Arab Emirates MEES FZC PO Box 121732 Sharjah United Arab Emirates T + 971 50 4635776 F + 971 44 224698 E info.uae@meesengineering.com W meesengineering.com

Established in 2004, MEES has experienced sustained growth through knowledge, experience and specialised equipment to become a pre-eminent specialist contractor to major companies engaged in the energy, power systems, high voltage lines, substations and telecommunications sectors in Tanzania and West Africa.

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For example, its structure enables flexibility, a trait which allows the firm to adapt to the particular needs of clients.

The organisation is also built with costeffectiveness in mind – its senior staff in Perth and Brisbane are ably supported by lower-cost functions which are carried out at its centre in Manila.

Another point of difference highlighted by Bailey revolves around stable and productive relationships with governments, utilities companies and suppliers.

Commenting on the latter, Bailey adds: “Our approach to partners is to ensure a good fitting culture.

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“This encompasses a variety of attributes including working environment, attitude to safety and ingenuity, and general working relationships. Our model is EPCM and EPC, so we are not afraid of partnering with larger companies to share the risk.”

Bailey also cites ECG’s pool of experienced staff as a major differentiator, many of whom have worked together for as long as 30 years and carry experience that will be influential in the development of new engineers.

“ECG is committed to its future

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by providing opportunities that will challenge and exceed the expectations of our people through job satisfaction in a stimulating and favourable working environment,” he comments.

Addressing the future

While maintaining and adding to this wealth of experience is a key priority moving forwards, it is no straightforward task.

“Sourcing and maintaining good quality staff will continue to be a challenge for ECG as the market improves,” Bailey continues.

“Building our Manila office will

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T +61 8 6253 5700 F +61 8 6253 5799 E Admin@way-electrical.com.au www.way-electrical.com.au

relieve some of this pressure, however, attracting senior engineering staff will continue to be a huge focus for us. ECG has just opened an office in Brisbane, and this will further enable us to access the eastern seaboard for good quality senior engineers.”

Enticing the next generation of engineers is therefore crucial.

Bailey states: “ECG will continue to differentiate itself by way of staff benefits, including mentor programmes for junior engineers, attractive employment conditions, favourable site conditions for supervision, commissioning staff

to reduce family stress as much as possible, and training schemes.

“This must all be carried out while maintaining the unique culture that has been established here.”

Any new recruits will also be entering a varied and vibrant marketplace – be it in Australia, Africa or Asia, it is a backdrop which leaves Bailey confident for the future development of ECG. He concludes: “We see the market activity continuing to strengthen through the rest of this year and into 2020 and beyond. We see the gold industry picking up in West Africa,

iron ore in Australia and graphite and lithium projects in Asia and elsewhere.

“The market is well and truly alive and the amount of studies and past projects that are coming to fruition means we are going to have to prepare for expansion.”

ECG Engineering Tel: +61 8 6164 3400 info@ecg-engineering.com.au https://ecg-engineering.com.au

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Resourceful, Responsible As Masan Resources continues to develop the world’s largest tungsten mine at Nui Phao in Vietnam, its role as a community custodian is also growing, the company involved in a number of socially driven projects Writer: Tom Wadlow | Project Manager: Donovan Smith

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ungsten – known by the chemical symbol W and with a melting point of more than 3,400 degrees Celsius, it is one of the hardest metals in the world.

It is believed to have been discovered in the 16th century in the

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German province of Saxony, the name Tungsten being coined by the Swede Axel Frederik Cronstedt in 1757, the literal translation into English being heavy (tung) stone (sten).

Today, the mineral is highly sought after – its hardness is close to

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diamond, while it is denser than steel and titanium, twice as hard as any steel grade, and has extremely high wear resistance.

Such properties translate into an estimated market value of $3.5 billion in 2017, according to statistics published by Global Market Insights.

Further, demand for tungsten carbide, the most common application segment, is forecast to grow solidly by 3.5 percent a year between 2019 and 2024. This is partly because the scrap can be recycled, which makes it an

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ASIA MASAN RESOURCES AND NUI PHAO IN BRIEF Masan Resources is a private sector mining operator in Vietnam involved in acquiring, exploring and developing resource assets of scale.

In 2010 it acquired a controlling stake in Nui Phao Mining and its pit in the north of the country which contains deposits of tungsten, fluorspar, bismuth and copper.

The Nui Phao polymetallic project is located in the Dai Tu District of the Thai Nguyen Province, approximately 80 kilometres northwest of Hanoi by road.

extremely valuable alloy for all sorts of applications.

Asia Pacific represented the largest regional market for the global tungsten carbide market in 2018, a result of the growing demand for automotive, construction and metalworking industries in countries like China, India and Japan.

Indeed, Tungsten is utilised across a wide variety of industrial applications, as mining industry veteran Vu Hong explains: “This is an extremely hard mineral with the highest melting point

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of all metals and a solid resistance to corrosion.

“Due to its unique intrinsic properties, it is ideally suited to the needs of all major heavy industries such as oil and gas, construction, hard metal tooling, energy, automotive and aviation. Tungsten is also an essential element in the steel industry, where its usage ranges from the production of stainless-steel alloys to superalloys.”

Having spent nearly two decades working for Vietnam’s Ministry of Water Resources and Electricity and the World Bank, Hong now serves as First Deputy General Director and Director of External Relations for Masan Resources, operator of the world’s largest tungsten mine (Nui Phao).

He joined the previous owner of the site in northern Vietnam in 2004, moving over to Masan postacquisition.

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Hong Vu

Due to its [tungsten’s] unique intrinsic properties, it is ideally suited to the needs of all major heavy industries such as oil and gas, construction, hard metal tooling, energy, automotive and aviation”

Aware of the impact developing such a large area of land would have on the surrounding community, Hong cites the opportunity to work with the community as a key reason for getting involved with the project 15 years ago.

“The development required the acquisition of around 700 hectares of land from local people in Dai Tu District in the Thai Nguyen Province, most of them being peasants and some being part of the Cao Lan ethnic minority group,” he explains.

“Of the roughly 3,000 affected families, nearly 2,000 needed to be displaced out of the project site. I was therefore determined that this process was enacted properly, not only adhering to the national policies of the Vietnam government on land acquisition, resettlement and assistance, but also the safeguarding policies of the World Bank.”

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Having already acquired vital experience working on other industrial projects in the country, Hong was wellplaced to help oversee the transition to ensure the impacted families were provided equal or superior living conditions after their move.

This involved maximising the participation of all stakeholders, not only on the issue of resettlement but also in developing a sustainable, long-term development plan for Nui Phao covering other social and environmental issues.

“I decided to stay on the project with Masan because I know Masan Group is a popular, well-respected Vietnamese company, and I was excited by its vision for the area,” Hong adds.

“Restarting the project on June 18, 2010 marked the beginning of a new era under the saying ‘together we implement a dream of Vietnam’, a dream that the Nui Phao mining

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Since the early stages of our operations, Masan Resources has striven to work with our nearby communities to help them develop through participation in the ESIA, Resettlement Action Plan, yearly community development plans, and other environmental and social initiatives”

project would be a showcase model for the industry.”

Extracting potential

And it is an industry with enormous promise.

Vietnam currently has more than 5,000 potential mine sites containing over 60 types of ore, among them Bauxite (around 11,200 million tonnes), Apatite (0.778 million tonnes) and coal (3,520 million tonnes), along with oil (around six billion tonnes) and gas (around four trillion cubic metres).

According to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, as of 2014, there are 3,000 companies working in areas of mine exploration and mining with a total of 4,320 permits granted by central and local government authorities.

Masan and Nui Phao are one such example, and for Hong, continuing its impressive development story is of paramount importance.

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the safest and highest quality services strictly complying with the latest International Safety Standards: OHSAS 18001 and ISO 9001.

EXCELLENCE Through systematic and disciplined management, we commit to deliver service excellence to our customers. VIVABLAST does the job right the first time, every time. We demonstrate our commitment to quality by meeting or exceeding customer expectations and avoiding non-conformities in our daily activities. We commit to continuous improvement.

ONE TEAM SPIRIT We believe that with the power of a united will, we can reach our goals. VIVABLAST shall always put team successes ahead of individual successes.

We trust each other to deliver on our respective obligations and commit to build further our team capabilities toward greater safety, quality and overall excellence in our field.

We set our vision which is to be the most preferred and trusted solution provider for industrial asset preservation. As a leading industrial service provider, we are operating for more than 25 years from Vietnam; have been already playing an active role in the sustainable industrial development of Vietnam and several Southeast Asian countries where we operate. As a responsible corporate citizen, we promote safety and ethics in our working and business environments.

T + +84 28 38 965 006 / 7 / 8 W www.vivablast.com

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“The objective of the company is more than just to connect the business to the global tungsten market, it wants to undertake deep processing of Vietnam’s strategic resources into higher value tungsten chemicals, thus validating further extraction of Vietnamese minerals, while helping to develop the local area,” he says.

“We also want to keep progressing with our sustainability journey. We are creating a new global force in strategic materials and are doing so in a morally and ethically responsible way.”

The figures help to underline the recent progress made at Nui Phao.

It is the largest producer of tungsten outside China, and among the largest producers of acid-grade fluorspar and bismuth in the world, while production of copper also helps to ensure a continuous revenue stream.

In total, this amounts to mining around 3.5 million tonnes of ore per year, and there is more to come given

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the tungsten reserve is estimated at 66 million tonnes with an average tungsten trioxide (WO3) grade of 0.21 percent. The company is also seeking to undertake exploration nearby.

Corporate citizen

As Hong has already eluded to, supporting the community and environment in the form of an extensive corporate social responsibility programme is a vital part of Masan’s work.

“In 2018 we conducted numerous collective and collaborative efforts to address issues pertaining to materials management, wastewater management and rehabilitation works,” he says. “The combination of all these aspects shows our dedication to responsive and sustainable use of materials and resources.”

Indeed, for Hong, investment in neighbouring communities lays the foundations for long-term development and prosperity.

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TOTAL SEAL

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e at TOTALSEAL have been privileged to have been a part of the core supply requirements of Masan Resources and, specifically, its Nui Phao Mine.

Our partnership has passed the fiveyear milestone and we look forward to being a part of Masan’s successful operation for many years to come.

TOTALSEAL also serves a number of other industries and activities, including: • Aluminium, chemical and fertiliser plants • LNG and oil sectors • Pulp and paper industry • Water and utilities operations E sales@totalsealau.com T +61 1800 868 257 Brisbane office phone +61 (07) 3489 8000 Perth office phone +61 (08) 9272 0700

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TOTALSEAL Group are sealing product specialists with extensive knowledge and experience in the mining, power generation, oil and gas industries. The Group have extensive supply contracts globally supporting customers in Australia, Asia Pacific and the rest of the world.

TOTALSEAL is an AS/NZS ISO 9001:2015 certified company for: ‘Design, Manufacture, Assembly, Supply and Refurbishment of Fluid Sealing Products’.

Our core products are: • Mechanical & Agitator Seals (new & refurbished) • Gaskets (soft, semi-metallic, metallic & sheet material) • Industrial Seals including O’rings Our site capabilities include: • Gasket manufacturing machines • Mechanical seal clean rooms • Pump and Valve servicing & calibrated testing equipment • Site Servicing Our dedicated technical field services team are available to assist in commissioning, performance monitoring, troubleshooting throughout all stages of plant operation to shut down maintenance campaigns.

TOTALSEAL Group is a subsidiary of the global group DIPLOMA PLC, a UK 250 PLC, listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE) with a market capitalisation of over £1.7billion.

The Group prides itself on speed to service and focussed support to providing solutions to your applications.

Website: www.totalsealau.com Email: sales@totalsealau.com Australia Toll Free Call: 1800 868 257 (1800 TOTALSEAL) Brisbane & Head Office Phone: (07) 3489 8000 Perth Phone: (08) 9272 0700

ANH DUONG PACKAGING CO.LTD

Initiated in 2013, Anh Duong packaging company was formally established in 2014, a part of the support stabilization and recovery of household’s economies Program (PROGRAM) in project area.

Hamlet 2, Hung Son Town, Dai Tu District, Thai Nguyen Province, Vietnam.

Tel: (+84).208.6517.999 | (+84).208.6517.666 - (+84).24.3204.8383 | (+84).909.00.9989 | Email: tam.do@anhduongfibc.com

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PT GROWTH ASIA

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art of the Growth Steel Group, PT Growth Asia manufactures a wide range of high-quality products, from steel liners and rubber liners to fasteners and grinding media, supplying the mining sectors.

The company operates with a vision to grow a prosperous world by supplying quality products and excellent service sustainably to global industry.

Set up in 1989, PT Growth Asia has since grown with manufacturing plants in Medan in Northern Sumatera,Indonesia and Suzhou, China with additional sales offices located in the likes of Australia, South Africa, Ghana, Peru, Chile and China and distributors in USA and CIS.

E enquiry@growthsteel.com

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One of Masan Resources’ numerous CSR initiatives

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“Since the early stages of our operations, Masan Resources has striven to work with our nearby communities to help them develop through participation in the ESIA, Resettlement Action Plan, yearly community development plans, and other environmental and social initiatives,” he continues.

“We started by together identifying the main challenges that the communities were facing as a result of mine operations and involuntary resettlement, as well as maximising the benefits and opportunities to the project stakeholders.

“Based on the identified needs and expectation of a variety of community groups, the company has initiated community development projects which, gradually, evolved into strong partnerships with the local government, contractors, social institutions and NGOs.” In monetary terms, 2018 saw Masan contribute 5.545 billion Vietnamese

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Grow With Us Offering the highest quality products, services and solutions for the grinding and processing of minerals in the mining industry.

Our products/ services are: Steel/ Rubber/ Composite Mill Liners, Grinding Media, Manganese Crusher, Fasteners, 3D Liner Profiling. website: www.growthsteel.com email: enquiry@growthsteel.com

Dong (VND) to projects covering areas such as farming and animal husbandry, vocational training and microfinancing, taking its total investment to VND 37.666 billion since 2011.

Hong cites several specific examples of this expenditure in action in 2018.

First is support for the construction of over 600 metres of rural concrete road linking the Ha Thuong and Tan Linh communes, the latter also being the recipient of 150 metres of upgraded irrigation canals.

Another project saw 1,170 chairs, dozens of audio systems and desks for 14 villages cultural houses (community houses) of the Tan Linh commune, an area which saw VND 640 million of investment from Masan last year.

In the La Bang commune in Thai Nguyen province, the company has been helping communities obtain Vietgap certificates for tea production, linking them to influential companies in the country’s tea industry.

We have a passion to show the world that a Vietnamese company can lead the transformation of the global tungsten market” “These examples help prove that the company is implementing its commitments to our stakeholders,” says Hong.

“We have obligations to the country and want to build a sound reputation with our national and global customers.

The corporate social implementation is also providing a win-win principle, meaning we are gaining support from communities and other stakeholders to continue our work at Nui Phao.”

For Hong, this is vital if Masan is to continue extracting the true potential of its world-leading tungsten resource.

Looking ahead to the future, he concludes: “I want Vietnam to become known for supplying strategic resources to worldwide industries.

“Masan is working within the bestin-class parameters to develop and expand our business with the aim of increasing shareholder value. We have a passion to show the world that a Vietnamese company can lead the transformation of the global tungsten market.”

Masan Resources Tel: +84 3718 2490 info@mr.masangroup.com www.masangroup.com/ masanresources

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Driving Diversification Bishops remains committed to propelling progress in the Pacific Islands via industrial enablement as a one-stop shop operator Writer: Jonathan Dyble | Project Manager: Donovan Smith

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he Pacific Islands are renowned as one of the world’s most dispersed, diverse regions.

Home to a multitude of archipelago countries, comprising over 25,000 islands that span an area equivalent to around 15 percent of the earth’s surface, it’s a territory famed for exploration and adventure.

This reputation is unlikely to change any time soon, owed to the geographic formation and unique cultural personalities of many of these outcrops that define such characteristics. However, in more recent times, some of the Pacific Islands’ more preeminent nations have equally begun to industrialise and modernise.

Take Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands, for instance.

Both traditionally agricultural economies, the pair have increasingly begun to leverage their natural resource bases in recent decades, be it the oil and gas industry in the former or the minerals industry through gold mining in the latter – a shift that Bishops has capitalised on since its formation in 1972.

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“In PNG in particular, with both major projects and smaller projects muted to commence in the coming years, the economic conditions will continue to improve dramatically,” Len Pianta (pictured above), the company’s General Manager, reveals.

A quick glance at the World Bank’s national economic outlook shows that such predictions ring true, the organisation forecasting real GDP growth in PNG to reach five percent during 2019, primarily driven by increased production in the extractives sector.

“With these projects will come a mini boom during the construction stages, followed by added economic value once they’re fully operational,” Pianta adds, citing optimism for Bishops’ role to play in facilitating the success of such developments as the largest industrial tools supplier in PNG and indeed the Solomon Islands.

Expansion and extension

Having spoken with Pianta in August 2018, the GM was previously quick to highlight that the firm’s emphasis on holding partnerships in the highest esteem were crucial to its operations.

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Reputed for the key role it played in the development of PNG’s first ever LNG project, ExxonMobil’s PNG LNG, and priding itself on maintaining close working relationships with Ok Tedi Mining, Newcrest, Total SA and other globally renowned clients, it quickly became apparent that this approach has not changed in the 12 months since during our latest conversation.

“A real highlight for us over the past year has been the addition of an Enerpac Services division,” Pianta reveals, Enerpac being a globally renowned tool manufacturer. “Not only has this allowed us to complete service and calibration work in line with any given specifications, but equally it has enabled us to expand our offering to our mining and oil and gas clients throughout PNG.” The launch of this particular offering constitutes just a fraction of the company’s 2019 strategy, however – a strategy centred around diversification and expansion.

“The idea that we settled on at the beginning of the year was to further strengthen our market lead, identifying and capitalising on opportunities with the introduction of new product ranges,” Pianta reveals. “Through this we attempted to differentiate our offering further, finding areas where there was currently no or limited supply to the local market.”

Doing so, such as with the Enerpac Services launch, the company has already benefitted from substantial gain. Pianta adds: “We’ve already seen a relevant return on our initial investments, with these products having expanded our revenue streams and bolstered our sales.”

An unrivalled culture

In spite of these new focus areas, the company has equally remained committed to many of its foremost principles and practices simultaneously.

PRO CHOICE SAFETY GEAR

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or decades Pro Choice Safety Gear has had a rich history of protecting workers onsite with our tough and tested product range.

Providing PPE from head to toe, Pro Choice Safety Gear offers high quality protective products at affordable prices.

Drawing on global industry advancements to develop products fit for extreme conditions, Pro Choice Safety Gear exceeds the testing criteria of the AS/NZS Standards and is certified safe by an independent third-party auditor where applicable.

Established in 1992 by the late Rob Bird, Pro Choice Safety Gear is proudly Australian owned.

With Rob’s sons Tim and Will now continuing his legacy, Pro Choice Safety Gear has been built on strong family values.

Throughout every step of the product development process the Pro Choice team work to create PPE that will keep workers safe on site and get safely home to their families.

With Pro Choice Safety Gear’s extensive range of face, hearing, eye, respiratory, hand, head, site and sun protection you can stay SAFE AS when tackling any task.

Bishops has been ever-present in PNG since 1972

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https://au.prochoicesafetygear.com

B I S H O P S

THE BISHOPS BACKGROUND Established in 1972, Bishops’ philosophy that is geared towards continuously reinvesting in the business in order to adapt to the needs of its customers has enabled the company’s rapid rise in Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands.

Having started out with the creation of two maintenance and machining workshops 45 years ago in Port Moresby and Lae on PNG’s southern shores, the enterprise now occupies seven industrial branches across both countries, employing over 300 local staff and holding more than 50 million Kina ($14.7 million) in stock.

Some of the firm’s flagship outlets include: • Port Moresby facility (10,000 square metres) • Lae facility (8,000 square metres) • Mt Hagen facility (4,000 square metres) • Kimbe (4,000 square metres) Owed to this substantial footprint, Bishops stands as the region’s largest supplier of industrial, engineering and safety products, serving the mining and exploration, oil and gas, construction, infrastructure, transport and manufacturing industries, amongst others.

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Bishops is a key supplier of equipment to construction and mining projects

Local employment remains a crucial part of this, evidenced by Bishops’ efforts to provide PNG and the Solomon Islands’ youthful, ambitious populations with employment opportunities wherever possible.

“When it comes to CSR, our primary focus will remain on assisting local communities that support our operations,” Pianta affirms. “To this end, local employment coupled with the continuous training of staff continues to be our priority.”

Additionally, the distinguishing traits of Bishops from a competitive standpoint have remained largely unchanged and will do so moving forward, serving to bolster expansion, enable diversification and facilitate growth.

Pianta continues: “Bishops staff, stock and service levels are still our

major points of differentiation – no one in the region covers the same extensive range and depth of stock, sales experience or commitment to service.”

Considering this esteemed, inclusive modus operandi and the company’s ambitious growth plans, it’s easy to see why the GM is optimistic moving forward, both regarding the economic outlook for the region and Bishops’ part to play within this.

Circling back to his opening statements, Pianta concludes with a nod to some of the region’s most exciting projects: “During the last year, we were able to maintain a strong position in the market with a slight increase in business for the overall period, while many similar businesses and industries reported declines.

“Moving through 2019 and

beyond, I believe that all PNG businesses are looking forward to the commencement of the Total Papua LNG project outside Port Moresby, and with the Newcrest/Harmony Wafi gold/ copper project in Lae. “We’ve reinforced our team with the employment of experienced staff and are ready to go when these projects start. It’s hard not to say that the months ahead hold substantial promise.”

Bishops Tel: +675 325 1088 sales@bishopbros.com.pg www.bishopbros.com.pg

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The Nordic

Touch

Volvo Cars Thailand continues to present the best of Swedish design and safety to Thai consumers, its network of franchise partners creating a second-home experience in their showrooms Writer: Tom Wadlow | Project Manager: Callam Waller

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weden is synonymous with innovation, design and trust.

Labelled the most reputable country in the world by the Reputation Institute, it is home to a number of enduring global brands which carry a progressive set of values.

Volvo is one of them. Renowned for building reliable and safe vehicles, this cornerstone of its identity has enabled the automaker to penetrate markets all over the world, the combination of safety and Swedish style truly standing the test of time.

Thailand and Chris Wailes are a case in point.

“The reason why I only had an

Chris Wailes, Managing Director, Volvo Cars Thailand

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interest in joining the company was down to the fact that I grew up with a Volvo car from a young age,” Wailes, now Managing Director of Volvo Cars Thailand, explains. “My mum had both 240 and 340 models, so I already knew quite a bit about the cars… a good start as a fresh and eager young salesperson!

“I have continued throughout my career with Volvo because I truly believe in the values the company has in terms of protecting people both inside and outside of the car, together with bringing premium mobility solutions for consumers regardless of which country you live in.”

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Having worn the plastic tyres off of his red peddle car when he was five years old, Wailes was destined for a career in the auto industry, beginning as a trainee salesman in the UK in 1988.

Now heading up the Thai business after fulfilling roles in Europe and China, he is leading the brand into a new chapter, a story which formally began in 1999 when Volvo Cars Thailand became a national sales company of Volvo Car Group.

Today the division is headquartered in Bangkok, where 10 of its 14 franchised retail outlets are located either centrally or in the surrounding area. The remaining four can be found in Chiang Mai (north) Khon Kaen (northeast), Phuket and Hat Yai (south), with a new facility in Chon Buri (south of Bangkok) set for opening by the end of 2019.

A touch of Swedish savvy Thailand, like most auto markets, is crowded, making the ability to stand

out imperative if any meaningful traction is to be made.

This brings Wailes back to the opening statement. “Our safety heritage is well documented, and we of course ensure that this remains front of mind with Thai consumers,” he says.

“However, the fact we are a Swedish brand with Scandinavian style is equally important. This design language is not only seen on our cars, but at all of our external events which show consumers the clean, elegant, premium feel which is uniquely Swedish.”

Such Nordic flair is also on display throughout the showrooms operated

by Volvo Cars Thailand’s retail partners, what is known as the Volvo Retail Experience.

“Being in Thailand, so far away from Sweden, having daily temperatures which normally start with a three means we have to be very creative in

CASTROL EDGE PROFESSIONAL

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astrol and Volvo Cars have enjoyed a strategic cooperation for 17 years. With a shared pioneering vision, Castrol’s collaboration with Volvo Cars is focused on delivering technologically advanced, efficient lubricant products that push the boundaries of engine performance and improve fuel economy. This combined experience helps provide performance to millions of Volvo car drivers around the world. The partnership covers engine oils, gear oils and greases in all new vehicles in Volvo Cars’ global manufacturing facilities.

By using Castrol EDGE Professional, engine oils at the forefront of Castrol’s portfolio, engines from Volvo Cars are designed to work at their optimum level. Castrol EDGE Professional V 0W-20 is exclusively engineered for use in Drive-E engines. Tested to the equivalent of driving four times around the world*, it meets Volvo Cars’ demanding standards and is proven to deliver greater fuel economy**.

Castrol EDGE Professional V 0W-20 is the only product co-engineered in collaboration with Volvo Cars. Its continued use maintains high level performance, enhanced fuel economy and reduced CO2 emissions.

• All new diesel and gasoline engines leave the Volvo Cars’ factory with Castrol EDGE Professional V 0W-20 as an integral part of their delivery of high performance.

• Castrol EDGE Professional with Fluid TITANIUM transforms to be stronger under pressure and unlocks true engine performance. * Average speed on the New European Drive Cycle is 18 kilometres per hour. Engine was run for 9,000 hours which corresponds to 162,000 kilometres. Distance around the world is 40,000 kilometres.

Volvo formally began business in Thailand in 1999

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** Independently tested in Volvo car’s fuel economy chassis dynamometer (rolling road) test programme, in petrol and diesel Drive-E engines, compared to the previous 0W-20 technology.

FOR GREATER FUEL ECONOMY AND PERFORMANCE CHOOSE CASTROL EDGE PROFESSIONAL Every engine from Volvo Cars starts its life with Castrol EDGE Professional oil inside.

Castrol EDGE Professional V 0W-20 is exclusively engineered in collaboration with Volvo Cars for use in Drive-E engines.

To fight performance-robbing friction, Castrol has developed their strongest, most advanced engine oil for maximum performance: Castrol EDGE Professional with Fluid TITANIUM. Castrol EDGE Professional’s unique Fluid TITANIUM physically transforms its structure, becoming stiffer at points of extreme pressure, preventing metal-to-metal contact and reducing friction which helps maximise engine performance.

Castrol EDGE Professional V 0W-20 is specially developed for Volvo Cars authorised dealerships and every litre is certified carbon neutral according to the highest global standard.* *In accordance with the BSI PAS 2060 specification.

Volvo Cars recommends Castrol EDGE Professional

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how we show this to our customers,” continues Wailes. “The majority of Thai people have never visited Sweden, and most have never experienced the cold winter temperatures, let alone snow!”

Around 80 percent of the company’s retail partners have upgraded their facilities to the Volvo Retail Experience, meaning customers can benefit from a one-to-one relationship with the technician who has maintained their car. Regular maintenance can be carried out within 30 minutes if the customer wishes to wait, with freshly ground coffee and freshly prepared meals ready to enjoy.

While the Volvo Retail Experience is very much centred around a peoplefirst culture, so too is the way in which franchisee relations are managed.

“Our retail and business partners are the most important group of people we have,” says Wailes. “Without our partners we would not have the success we have today.

“We have a very simple motto at Volvo Cars Thailand with all our partners – we win together, or we lose together. Business partners I describe as the cogs in the wheel, and we need all partners to work together to ensure that each cog drives the big wheel. If one cog stops the whole wheel stops.”

“We have regular meetings with all partners, keeping everyone updated on how we are performing against our key KPI’s, and these are open forum meetings where everyone is encouraged to share any ideas they have.

“We also try to find ways of simplifying the wider operations. For example, not waiting for consumers to

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The Volvo XC40 MY20 model

come to us. We go to them instead. In my view there are always areas which you can improve, making life less complicated for our business partners and consumers alike.”

Freedom to Experience All of this is geared towards improving the experience for the customer, no better demonstrated than by the opening of an experimental showroom by a longterm retail partner.

The franchisee needed to find a new location due to its aging site and expiring lease, and in the space of six months a new home in Huamark, Bangkok was built.

No small feat, the challenge required a sizable dose of creativity.

“The experimental part was that we worked closely together to transform a five-story unused car park into a Volvo Retail Experience showroom,” Wailes reveals.

Without our partners we would not have the success we have today. We have a very simple motto at Volvo Cars Thailand with all our partners – we win together, or we lose together”

“This was a unique and likely oneoff experience for both of us, and we worked very hard together with the contractors, architects, and local authorities to bring the project to completion in March. The reaction from customers, media and local business leaders was fantastic.”

A project with a futurist twist, Wailes recognises the need to move with times as the way consumers interact with brands continues to evolve.

The appeal of hands-on experiences has played an enormous part in this shift, and Volvo Cars Thailand has responded by launching its own mobile test track in order to take its cars to its customers.

Known as The Volvo Way, Freedom to Experience, the track is the first ever double height test track in Thailand, opening in May 2019 in central Bangkok.

“Not only can consumers turn up and experience our latest SUV’s on the track, they experience what the Volvo brand stands for with our brand experience centre in the middle of the site,” Wailes says.

“When inside they can also see the cars on the track being driven, and the agility they have over obstacles so they can understand the history of Volvo

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Cars, our safety heritage and what makes us different.

“All inside areas are air conditioned and we have a team of professional drivers taking the customers around the track and explaining what is happening – for example when only three wheels are connected to the surface.”

The idea is to move the track around different parts of the country and generate conversation with Thai

consumers, conversation which Wailes says is still continuing months after the inaugural event.

“The majority of consumers have mobile phones, are connected to the internet 24-seven and are purchasing more and more digitally,” he continues.

“These changes are happening faster in some countries than in others, and to continue to be relevant we also must adapt and change to reflect

EMPOWERMENT THROUGH EDUCATION The future success of Volvo Cars Thailand hinges on attracting and developing future generations of talent to the organisation.

Wailes explains: “We have identified a vocational school in Bangkok and looked at the current curriculum that the students go through as part of their studies, and realised that we can offer some additional insights and awareness of the latest technology.

“We can also offer on the job work experience to students with the possibility of a job once they finish their studies. By adopting this approach, we can help increase their technical capability together with the school.”

Educational activities extend into the company’s CSR strategy.

An example of this comes in the form of support for road safety teaching at schools in Phuket and Rayong, with painted crossings, road signs, safety helmets and drama workshops provided for children.

The environment is the second key CSR focus area, in particular combatting the scourge of plastic waste on Thailand’s beaches.

current times. Our mobile test track idea was thus born – I don’t believe that we should wait for people to come to us, as our customers tend to be time poor.”

Staying on track

Moving with the times also includes the vehicles themselves.

Asked what trends are steering the direction of travel within the industry, Wailes states that Thailand is following the global curve when it comes to electrification and hybrid vehicles.

“There is a shift towards plug in hybrid cars,” he explains. “For instance, on our XC60/S90/XC90 models, just two years ago 50 percent were diesel and 50 percent petrol.

Now it is 80 percent plug in hybrid.

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“I believe that battery electric vehicles will be adopted here very quickly and will grow steadily in the future, together with the adoption of car sharing and other mobility solutions. This also means that we need to adapt and change as our consumers do, and we are already well placed to do that.”

Adaptation will be accompanied by expansion, Wailes revealing ambitious plans to grow the footprint of the Volvo brand across Thailand.

“When I joined Volvo Cars Thailand in June 2017, I sat down with my management team and we discussed what had worked well and areas which we could improve,” he recalls.

“To keep things short, we have been focusing on the basics. The reason why is that all human beings tend to change

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the way they perform their respective roles over time and this tends to lead to over complicating tasks.

“By focusing on the basics such as customer experience, doing what you say you are going to do and delivering a new car at the time you promised the customer at their chosen location, the customer experience automatically improves.”

Wailes has also had to incorporate the bigger picture. Volvo is a worldwide corporation with its own global strategies to execute, and a central part of the MD’s role is to ensure this is communicated in a way that is relevant to Thai consumers.

Confident that the business is on track to deliver its transformation targets, Wailes finishes the

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conversation by looking ahead in an upbeat tone.

“In the short term we will continue to focus on going beyond expectations when it comes to customer experience.

“We will continue taking our cars to our consumers and drive forwards our education on road safety with the younger generation, all whilst being prepared to adapt as our consumers’ mobility requirements change.”

Volvo Cars Thailand Tel: +66 2 080 5690 www.volvocars.com/th

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Renewed Optimism

SIMEC Energy is delivering clean energy across South Australia and Victoria, proving itself as a leading light in the country’s transition towards renewable power Writer: Tom Wadlow | Project Manager: Eddie Clinton

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ustralia’s energy market is transforming.

A national electricity output traditionally dominated by coal supplied by a long-established mining industry, the sector is steadily shifting towards cleaner sources of power.

Indeed, according to the latest numbers from the national Department of the Environment and Energy, 2018 saw 19 percent of Australian electricity generated by renewable sources, an increase of 25 percent on 2017.

In terms of volumes, 19 percent equates to 49,339 gigawatt hours of electricity generation, with a roughly even split between hydro, wind and solar.

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For companies such as SIMEC Energy, this transition phase represents a period of tremendous opportunity to make a difference.

“This is a once in a generation movement that is now occurring in the energy sector,” states Marc Barrington, the company’s CEO. “I am a big believer in a strategic mix of all forms of power sources for the country which will include wind, all types of solar, storage and upgrades and improvements to transmission assets and transmission technologies.

Marc Barrington, CEO

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“However, a full-scale harnessing of our country’s renewable energy potential will take time, as both the supply and demand side need to build resilience and technologies need to be proven and bankable.”

Barrington joined SIMEC in 2018, the latest chapter in a career which has seen him work in the energy sector for nearly two decades.

From trading and wholesale risk management to M&A, and from energy productivity offerings to renewable energy project development, he has covered almost every aspect within the industry.

“I have been in energy since 2001 and can honestly say that I have loved every minute that has passed since,” he adds. “I came to it from a background in trading precious metals and was really inspired by the formative nature of the industry post the de-regulation of the mid-1990s.”

“When the opportunity arose to lead a business whose aims were to bring real competition to the energy market – that focussed on the smart application of renewable energy solutions – I knew I had to find out more.

“As I continued through the interview process meeting with the likes of GFG Alliance Executive Chairman, Mr Sanjeev Gupta, and the other directors of SIMEC Energy Australia and then some of the executives, the decision was an easy one to make.”

U T I L I T I E S

GFG Alliance is the majority shareholder of SIMEC, whose footprint extends across South Australia and Victoria, the company selling up to 1.2 terawatt hours of power to a range of customers including schools, hospitals, retailers and mining houses.

Such sales are backed by long term offtake agreements struck with third party renewable energy developers, as well as SIMEC’s own renewable energy development pipeline.

Project power

Such a pipeline is headlined by the Cultana Solar Farm project in Whyalla region of South Australia.

Having selected Shanghai Electric Corporation as its EPC contractor for the construction and operation of the $490 million, 280 MW development, Barrington recalls one of his first duties after being appointed CEO. “I wanted to undertake a detailed review of our engagement with the community of Whyalla – indigenous, business and of course local residents,” he says.

“As a result of this review, we have significantly increased our interaction with all members of the community to ensure that we fully understand their needs and that we are a good neighbour for the life of the solar farm.”

“Another aspect of the project which I am very proud of is our commitment to offer apprenticeships.

These commence with the construction phase and will lead into

ASIA operations and maintenance such that good, ongoing and secure jobs are offered to the community.”

SIMEC has cleared development application hurdles and commenced early works on the site, meaning that full construction can begin once financing is secured, something which Barrington believes will be achieved soon.

Another project highlighted by the CEO is the 100 MW Playford Utility Battery (PUB) which lies south of Port Augusta, South Australia.

ZEN ENERGY A subsidiary of SIMEC, ZEN Energy designs and delivers solar PV and storage solutions for residential customers and commercial clients.

The provision of such equipment can integrate with electricity retail packages to create a one-stop shop offering, something which stands the group apart from its competitors in South Australia and Victoria.

“Moving forward I see ZEN Energy as providing us with the perfect operational capability to enter into residential energy markets in a way that delivers value and innovation to consumers,” Barrington adds.

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In the final stages of development approval, SIMEC is seeking support from the Commonwealth Government’s Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA).

“Their support will be critical in demonstrating the capabilities of fullscale deployment of battery storage technologies within an active retail electricity portfolio,” adds Barrington.

“Currently all battery operations have largely been for network support activities so the PUB will provide benefits not just for our portfolio and customers, but also the wider market, through the lowering of prices.”

The SIMEC DNA

That SIMEC is able to deliver such landmark developments is down to what the CEO describes as the company’s DNA. “We have the drive to deliver globally competitive energy solutions for our customers in an open and transparent manner – taking advantage of any, and all, aspects that can reduce customer costs, such as energy productivity measures and demand side response,” Barrington explains.

“GFG Alliance owns one of the largest steel production operations

HARNESSING HYDRO Solar is not the only renewable energy source being developed by SIMEC. Hydro represents another important line of business for the company, no better demonstrated than by its Middleback Range Pumped Hydro Storage (MRPH) facility in South Australia.

Once in operation, the development will provide 220 MW of capacity (across six hours of discharge) and succeed final mining operations at the Iron Duchess iron ore mine, giving the site a new economic and environmental boost.

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FINLAYSONS

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inlaysons is one of Australia’s most respected commercial law firms, our origins can be traced back to 1850.

With rich history brings great achievements in momentous developments, specifically within the energy sector. As major transformations continue to arise with renewable energy, Finlaysons have remained at the forefront.

Finlaysons are proud to work with SIMEC Energy Australia and support their ongoing focus to deliver innovative, flexible and transparent energy solutions. Their delivery of innovative generation and storage projects will enhance the ability to have electricity supplied on a low emissions, cost effective and reliable basis.

T +61 8 8235 7400 E Jeremy.schultz@finlaysons.com.au

www.finlaysons.com.au

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Leaders in Renewable Energy Law Supporting clean energy innovation

Email: Jeremy.Schultz@finlaysons.com.au | Telephone: +61 8 8235 7400

finlaysons.com.au

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SIMEC Energy Australia’s success has been built on strong teamwork and sound leadership

in the business so at our heart we have a passion and belief in Australian industry and its ability to compete on the world stage, which often requires innovative and cost-effective energy contracting.”

Barrington also recognsies that, as a relative newcomer to the Australian energy scene (2004), SIMEC needs to act and operate differently in what is an industry traditionally dominated by large corporates.

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“This starts with building the right culture internally,” he continues.

“I definitely won’t profess to have ‘nailed’ it, but my aims are to have a very open culture where ideas, driven by purpose, are what matters and not what political manoeuvres a colleague can wield. The energy sector is too vibrant and too important to our customers to do otherwise.”

Much of this has involved building communication and collaboration with

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SIMEC’s teams, with the customer at the front and centre of these dialogues.

Diversity and inclusivity are central to these efforts, Barrington highlighting plans to roll out a programme that focusses on Australia’s first nation peoples across all areas the company operates in.

“Moving forward, we will commence a programme of supported education in order to bring our next

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GFG Alliance Executive Chairman, Mr Sanjeev Gupta (right), sealing the CultanaShanghai Electric strategic partnership

generation of leaders through the business, something which I am very excited about,” he adds.

Barrington’s priority for the immediate future is to ensure that the construction phase of the Cultana Solar Farm project runs smoothly, the CEO stating his desire to set the right safety culture and expectations for partners working this and other projects, including staff and local communities.

Asked if recent developments leave him feeling optimistic, he concludes: “I’m thrilled to be leading a company at the forefront of the energy transition, especially one that I definitively believe has the opportunity – backed by the capability – to bring together a number of stakeholder benefits for the community, industry and the environment.

“So yes, I am optimistic for renewable energy in this country and

the role that it can play in meeting consumer needs whilst also delivering better outcomes overall.”

SIMEC Energy Australia Tel: +61 1300 902 203 enquiries@simecenergy.com.au www.simecenergy.com.au

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ASIA Empowering equal opportunities, industry localisation and social investment, McDonald’s Pakistan is embodying the country’s strategic strides Writer: Jonathan Dyble Project Manager: Lewis Bush

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akistan is nothing less than a nation on the rise.

Described by the World Bank as a region with a demographic dividend and significant development potential, the country is already capitalising on such abundant prospects, its economy having grown almost six percent in fiscal year 2018 (FY18).

Resultantly, national poverty rates are also falling. According to current estimates, this is forecast to decrease to 3.1 percent (in accordance with the international poverty line) at the conclusion of FY19, down from the four percent recorded in 2015.

Indeed, the government continues to take the reins in facilitating these outcomes, readily addressing economic, social and fiscal imbalances.

Jamil Mughal, Chief Operations, Marketing, Development and Supply Chain Officer at McDonald’s Pakistan

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EQUAL EMPOWERMENT

VENUS PAKISTAN

McDonald’s Pakistan is a spearhead of equality, the company upholding exemplary fair hiring practices through the employment of hundreds of differently abled people.

t Venus Pakistan we challenge ourselves to deliver the most efficient, competitive and compelling food service solutions to our brand partners.

“We provide all our employees, no matter their ability, with ownership and responsibility, ensuring they feel included in society and achieve a level of independence in their daily lives,” explains Mughal. “We’re particularly proud of many of our differently abled employees, and it’s a great feeling when you see the joy that it brings to their families.

“They mean the world to us.”

Additionally, the company selects people for management roles based on merit, regardless of age, race or gender.

“We’re proud to employ an abundance of female workers and have a range of female role models in leadership positions at the company,” Mughal continues. “One of our lead training managers and one of our lead quality assurance managers, for instance, are both talented businesswomen.”

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We are able to deliver state-or-theart services by rigorously following international standards of quality in each and every work discipline. We take pride in our dedicated and exclusive partnership with one of the world’s leading QSR brands - McDonald’s, in Pakistan.

The validity of superior services and efficiency are in our certification. We have successfully received one of the most admired certifications from McDonald’s USA; DQMP Certification (Distribution, Quality, and Management Process).

T +92 21 111 836 871 E customer.services@venuspakistan.com

www.venuspakistan.com

Cultivating a culture

Yet enterprises similarly have begun to play a greater role in enabling socioeconomic progression – a role that McDonald’s Pakistan is proactively embracing.

“Pakistan’s potential is tremendous,” states Jamil Mughal, Chief Operations, Marketing, Development and Supply Chain Officer at McDonald’s Pakistan.

“Home to a population of 200 million people, there’s clearly room for the economy to grow, but only if it continues to stabilise – a requirement that we’re attempting to assist.”

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It is this underlying ambition that ultimately drew Mughal to joining McDonald’s back in 1998, the company’s meteoric expansion in the two decades since having been underpinned by strives for grassroots development.

“I’ve loved every minute of working here,” he affirms. “It’s an amazing company, every day is a new day with a new challenge. McDonald’s is innovation, it’s evolving, and it epitomises and supports the development trajectory of the country.”

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The latter point rings particularly true when looking at McDonald’s Pakistan’s modus operandi.

Upholding an ethos that is geared towards facilitating opportunity, the business strives to support the local populous wherever possible.

“We’re a people company at heart – run by people, managed by people,” explains Mughal. “In every corner of Pakistan, in any nook and cranny, you will find that our outlets support local communities.

“Equality is in our blood. Whether it’s men or women, the young or old, the differently abled, we don’t discriminate. We encourage all our staff to think big and have spent time cultivating an entrepreneurial, transparent culture to support this.”

Taking on those with the desire to build a career and deliver excellence, McDonald’s Pakistan’s structure simultaneously helps to transfer knowledge and develop skills in line

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with world-class standards. The firm’s three (soon to be four) dedicated training centres provide the best evidence of this, facilities which are testament to the brand’s consistent service and esteemed reputation.

“Of course, commitment, people skills, management skills and a range of other traits have their merits,” explains Mughal, “but the most important characteristic that we look for is passion.

“You should love what you do – that’s a common agreement at McDonald’s. It’s why both myself and many of my colleagues have worked here for so many years.

“Our exuberance levels and enthusiasm remain as pronounced today as they were on day one.”

Community-first

Product launch

Employment is not the only area in which McDonald’s excels as a socioeconomic innovator across Pakistan.

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McDonald’s restaurant located at the roundabout of DHA – Rawalpindi

The firm is also heavily focussed on supporting the increasing localisation of industry wherever possible, opting to build and maintain close working relationships with a range of local partner companies.

“These relationships are extremely important to our success,” states Mughal. “Be it our sauces, proteins, paper and packaging, we almost always opt to work with local suppliers who deliver world-class international standards.”

This approach has proved to be crucial to the country’s wider success.

By supporting regional industry specialists, McDonald’s has helped to sustain local businesses, contributing to not only direct employment but equally indirect employment.

“It’s something we are focusing on,” Mughal continues. “By embracing mutual relationships, our partners are

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able to hire more workers themselves, imparting skills, allowing careers to flourish, and so on.”

Similarly, Pakistani communities are beneficiaries of this ethos.

From aiding soccer clubs to sponsoring swimming competitions, promoting an active and balanced lifestyle amongst children is a major part of the firm’s corporate

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social responsibility agenda. This often translates into the company supporting young, talented individuals, evidenced by McDonald’s Pakistan’s efforts in the performing arts sector.

“We regularly help local theatre productions,” Mughal reveals, “allowing aspiring young actors, playwrights and directors to reach national audiences.

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McDonald’s Restaurant in Karachi

“We’ve also been supporting a number of underprivileged schools, inviting them to our restaurants on a regular basis to enjoy McDonald’s. At times there have been children who are differently abled or challenged physically who aren’t able to come to our restaurants, so we’ve taken our restaurants to them.”

Birthdays are often the focal point of such occasions, the firm regularly visiting disadvantaged children at their homes or in hospitals.

Mughal continues: “We see it as out duty to ensure that these children never feel as though they’re being left behind. We also work with hospitals in other ways, promoting their causes across the country.”

Affordable, accessible

All things combined, Mughal and indeed McDonald’s Pakistan remain

optimistic for the future, the company set to maintain its society-first agenda on all fronts, from equal opportunities to its extensive social investment programmes.

Narrowing into the specifics to wrap up our conversation, the Chief Operations, Marketing, Development and Supply Chain Officer reiterates his hopes of developing more sustainable relationships with local industry partners.

“This is a key priority for the year ahead, working with local businesses on everything from the procurement of raw materials to consultancy,” he affirms.

In addition, Mughal is expecting innovation to take on a greater role at the company as it moves forward, indicating that vast efforts will be placed on increasing its digital engagement and bolstering the development of McDonald’s Pakistan’s mobile app.

And finally, and conclusively, he reveals that the business will be looking to expand during the course of the coming year.

“Our ambition, same as ever, is expansion,” he states. “I’d say we’re optimistic, we’re just hopeful that the economy continues to stabilise so that we can be as affordable as possible.

“For me, that’s what epitomises McDonald’s – we’re fixated on offering world-class quality products and upholding customer convenience while maintaining affordability and accessibility for all.”

McDonald’s Pakistan www.mcdonalds.com.pk

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here’s nothing quite like the smell of fresh coffee in the morning.

Be it the rich aromas, artistic ritual of brewing the perfect cup, or the delicately complex story that each and every granule tells, there’s a reason coffee is an eclectic, artisan experience.

For John Ayoub, such undertones have motivated a lifelong love for the beverage.

“I’ve always enjoyed coffee,” he affirms. “Even looking back to my early teenage years, I can remember having an appetite for stronger, bitter tasting coffee. If I had to put my finger on it, I’d say it’s the aftertaste that’s always got me.”

Having allowed this passion to blossom, it’s no surprise that Ayoub took an entrepreneurial chance in 2002, acquiring a small, rustic coffee shop in Bankstown – a southwestern suburb of Sydney.

“Coffee culture is pretty big here, so the opportunity was evident,” Ayoub reveals.

“The café I took on was pre-existing, albeit slightly run down. Upon purchasing it from the former owner, I introduced my own unique coffee blend and The Coffee Emporium brand which proved to be a hit, boosting our reputation, earning us referrals and garnering repeat business.”

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The Coffee

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Coffee aficionado John Ayoub tells the story of The Coffee Emporium, a premium brand on the rise across Australia and the UAE Writer: Jonathan Dyble Project Manager: Lewis Bush

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Owed to this premium blend, derived from some of the best quality flavours and influences from Central and South America, Africa and Asia, The Coffee Emporium quickly rose to pre-eminence, its sales soaring from just a number of kilos a week to much larger volumes.

As a result, Ayoub, now Director of the company, sat down with his cousin to discuss strategic direction.

“We both saw the business as a success, so explored the idea of opening a new store,” he explains, showcasing The Coffee Emporium story. “Two cafés then grew to four in 2006, and four became nine with the launch of five franchise stores in 2007.”

COFFEE CULTURE The Coffee Emporium strictly adheres to four corporate values: • Maintaining relationships based on integrity, respect, transparency and trust.

Fast forward to the present day, and the enterprise now has 42 branded outlets across Australia and Abu Dhabi.

While The Coffee Emporium’s formula remains unchanged, this same recipe helping to drive the business forward today, it is not the be-all and end-all of the brand by any means.

Coupled with quality coffee, the brand has also established a reputation for esteemed ambience, a fitting atmosphere and a wide selection of tasteful accompaniments including pastries, cakes and premium sandwiches.

“Our décor and fit outs are also a big focus for us,” Ayoub adds. “We ensure that our customers feel like they’re walking into an authentic European coffeehouse.

“First impressions count for a lot, and I like to think that as soon as people walk through our doors, with the buzz and vibrancy of our

• A continuous commitment to excellence, innovation and growth.

• Strong leadership, accountability and collaboration.

• Nurturing a culture which fosters a fun, vibrant and creative environment.

Vision: To be the global coffee house brand of choice for guests and franchise partners, achieving excellence in everything.

Mission: Committed to consistently delivering the most outstanding, personalised guest experience in its coffee houses by providing premium quality coffee and food offerings.

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An artisan experience

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PARAMALAT PROFESSIONAL

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auls Professional brings you a range of market leading milks designed with cafés in mind.

Whether it’s Full Cream, TRIM, Skinny or Café Crema, we have a premium product to meet you and your customers’ needs.

Our great range of milks are designed to perfectly complement your coffee, whether it be a flat white or our signature Skinnycino®.

With over 80 years of dairy experience, you can rest assured that Pauls Professional has the right milk for you.

Instagram - /paulsprofessional Facebook - /paulsprofessional LinkedIn - /parmalatprofessional

www.parmalatprofessional.com.au

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of the brand that included the introduction of new packaging, bags, uniforms and more, the company aiming to maintain its contemporary feel.

“We try to evolve,” Ayoub adds.

“The business has just raised AUD$5 million in capital which will be used to further extend the brand and transition into a consolidated, sustainable, national brand.”

It is this latter point that is a hot stores, they know they’re going to topic for the Director and his team. get good coffee, good service and an Having developed a strategic exceptional experience just by the look business plan that will be rolled out and feel of the place.”

This emphasis on offering quality service is embedded in Coffee Emporium’s culture.

The firm readily provides proactive training programmes to its staff and franchise partners, working with baristas in teaching them how to execute the perfect cup of coffee.

Equally, such attitudes are no better reflected than by a recent refreshment

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next year, Ayoub is confident that the firm will realise further expansion, deliver a multitude of modernising refurbishments and continue to instate its place as a relationships-led enterprise.

This in mind, he concludes by both citing his optimism for the future and reiterating his opening statements: “Coffee is what I love. It’s my passion, it’s what I always wanted to do, and I’m both thankful and proud that I’ve been lucky enough to make a business out of it.”

The Coffee Emporium Tel: +61 (02) 9635 1222 supportoffice@thecoffeeemporium.com.au

www.thecoffeeemporium.com.au

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Food Made Personal Partnering with artisanal producers all over the world, Classic Fine Foods prides itself on helping food industry operators to connect with their customers and tell their stories Writer: Tom Wadlow | Project Manager: Lewis Bush

An important trend that we are seeing is the need to tell a story.

“Consumers are increasingly conscious of where their food comes from. How long ago was the fish caught? How was the fish caught? How far away from the restaurant does it come from? These are all questions we as suppliers and chefs need to answer.”

For Christophe Barret and food sourcing specialist Classic Fine Foods

(CFF), provenance is everything.

More than ever consumers are scrutinising the story behind their food and drink purchases, so much so that the journey a product takes before reaching them can carry equal weight to the substance of the item itself.

“Sustainability, for example, is therefore a major requirement for our chefs in today’s restaurant industry as their customers will choose dishes that are produced responsibly,” adds Barret, who is approaching one year as CFF’s Chief Executive Officer.

“I’m French and I love food – two things that often go hand in hand,” he adds. “I started my career in the retail industry 25 years ago and joined Classic Fine Foods in October 2018 after 14 years working in five different markets.”

Personal touch

Christophe Barret, CEO

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Although now owned by a leading international wholesale company, Classic Fine Foods has been able to operate with a strong degree of independence which has enabled it to maintain what Barret believes is an organisational hallmark and key point of difference.

“In this industry you absolutely have to engage with people, whether they be your team, your customers or your suppliers,” he says.

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Benoit Blin MCA, host of the Bake Off Crème de la Crème, at TheTasteLab for a new product launch with customers

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“That is the most important lesson I have learned over the past 20 years and is something I believe helps stand CFF out from the crowd. You need to be personal and gain trust in order to develop and deliver the best products in the world – this goes from the producer all the way through to customer service and delivery.”

CFF represents a vital link between food producers and the chefs/

operators of restaurants and premium retail outlets, what Barret describes as a triangular network.

“I love speaking to chefs about food, and that is where our relationships start,” he continues. “These people work extremely hard and often spend long hours in the kitchen, which means they need reliable partners they can trust as well as someone they can build strong relations with.

CFF – AN INTRODUCTION Registered in 2000, Classic Fine Foods is the only premium foods specialist to operate in 11 different countries across Europe, the Middle East and Asia, its headquarters residing in Hong Kong.

Supplying hotels, restaurants and retail outlets, the company’s mission is ‘to source and bring exceptional ingredients and unique gourmet products to the most demanding chefs around the world, whatever their type of cuisine and cooking style’.

This mission is backed up by adherence to globally recognised quality standards, including BRC Certification, ISO 22000, a status gained as a result of an unwavering dedication to maintaining an entrepreneurial culture and delivering standout customer-driven services.

CFF’s coverage can be summarised by the following key numbers: Customers: 12,000 Brand partners: 650 from 32 countries SKUs: 30,000 Employees: 1,000 Storage capacity: 45,000 square metres Delivery trucks: 150

BONDUELLE GROUP

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or more than 40 years, Bonduelle Food Service has been closer to chefs, everywhere around the world and in all types of catering.

Flavors, textures, colors... Bonduelle wants to help chefs put vegetables in the heart of the plate to reveal their full potential!

AWARENESS: We create awareness about the role that Bonduelle and its vegetables solution play.

INSPIRATION: We offer chefs more inspiration by showing them how to create rational and emotional added value with vegetables.

INNOVATION: We transform our knowledge into valuable and inspiring solutions for chefs on a product and service level.

Vegetable knowledge: Bonduelle is an expert in agronomy, producing the best quality in vegetables in a responsible and sustainable way with close links with farmers.

Culinary expertise: We have identified roles by observing chefs at work, since decision-making processes are hidden in the chefs’ minds.

On this basis, we have built a new segmentation of our offer to act in keeping with chefs’ needs and to develop the most promising uses in terms of business and values for tomorrow.

Do you want to include more vegetables in your menus?

With Bonduelle, chefs get more out of vegetables.

Bonduelle Food Service is more than just vegetables, it also offers complete and tailor-made solutions (products, services, inspiration, etc) that will helps chefs meet the growing demand for plant-based food by helping them to easily create the tastiest dishes for their guests.

T +33 3 20 43 60 60 E export@bonduelle.com

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PARTNERS AND PRODUCTS Working with 650 producers all around the world to supply the food industry, CFF’s network and knowledge is formidable.

Among these partnerships are: Sturia – French farmed caviar Loch Fyne – Scottish smoked salmon and shellfish Stanbroke – Australian beef John Stone – Irish beef and lamb AACO – Australian wagyu beef Terre Bormane – Italian extra virgin olive oil and vinegars Weiss – French chocolate Bridor – French pastries, patisserie and breads Maison Ponthier – French fruit purees Aalst le Patissier – Singaporean chocolate Sunraysia – Australian juices CFF Rungis – French integrated purveyor of the freshest perishables from Europe

“We put them in front of a mixture of smaller and larger suppliers across our geographies, and the first and foremost requirement of our decision to partner is product quality. We listen to chefs, we are curious about food and we are always looking to innovate and try new things.”

One such partner that has recently joined the CFF family is French stalwart Maison Ponthier in operation since 1946 and described by Barret as one of the finest suppliers of ingredients for pastry.

The collaboration involves the distribution and the marketing of chilled and frozen purees via the CFF network in 10 markets, including the Philippines, Singapore, Japan, China, Malaysia, Vietnam, UAE, Hong Kong, the UK and Macau.

The venue for this landmark event was TheTasteLab, founded in 2016 in London, UK and the first of two hubs for sharing food knowledge, the other

And many more delicacies including fresh seafood from Australia, fresh fruits and vegetables from Europe, fresh seasonal produce from japan and fresh seafood from Europe, North America and Australia.

Many of CFF’s collaborations have resulted in a number of firsts being delivered to its markets. For example, the company is bringing the first Australian wagyu beef to the UAE thanks to its partnership with Australian producer AACO under the brand Westholme.

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opening in 2018 in Singapore, where the company has been present since 2001.

A place for chefs to meet, share their experience and learn in a relaxed, yet highly professional environment, TheTasteLab offers a programme of pastry and cuisine classes and a variety of events including training courses, workshops, demonstrations and culinary journeys.

The next phase

TheTasteLab represents an exciting nod to the future, both in terms of the ideas and knowledge that can be shared and the way in which consumers and professionals in the food industry interact.

It will no doubt form an important part of CFF’s marketing and communication strategy as the company enters the next chapter of its story, a juncture which for Barret is all about laying the foundations for expansion.

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Denis Dramé MCA, Pastry Chef at Classic Fine Foods UK

Breeder, Producer, Selector-refiner of french caviar CONTACTS Diane FIOCCA | +33 5 57 34 45 42 | d.fiocca@kaviar.com Marine FONTAINE | +33 5 56 30 27 94 | m.fontaine@kaviar.com

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Jose Luis, Pastry Chef for TheTasteLab at Classic Fine Foods Singapore

“The priority at the moment is to continue stabilising following the acquisition by METRO,” he says.

“This will provide us the platform from which to grow further into new markets. Being part of an international wholesale and food specialist means we have tremendous opportunities to develop.

“Our strategy is a relatively simply one – to make our customers’ lives easier. We can do this by finding ways to digitalise our relations in some areas, and that will develop a capability to better use information about new

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I love the fact we work with entrepreneurs who have a real passion for their craft and believe in their product”

trends and products.

“This process has started already.

We are digitising internally and want to broaden our offer to customers, and this could involve working with new technology startups.”

Barret’s desire is for CFF to transform into a platform to source products and create partnerships with producers, an ambition which will be fast-tracked by the recent creation of a Commercial Director position within the company.

“As well as making life easier for clients, we also need to keep

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Inside a CFF warehouse from where produce will distributed directly to customers

‘Barret’s desire is for CFF to transform into a platform to source products and create partnerships with producers’

improving the quality of what we offer, both in terms of products and services, delivering on time, every time,” the CEO adds, pointing to the fact that CFF opened new warehousing facilities in Vietnam, Hong Kong and Japan last year to provide increased capacity and more efficient logistics operations.

He concludes by circling back to his opening remarks, expressing why he remains motivated to elevate the company to new heights.

“I love the fact we work with entrepreneurs who have a real passion for their craft and believe in

This culture we have of building relationships with suppliers and customers is why I enjoy working with CFF so much”

their product. This culture we have of building relationships with suppliers and customers is why I enjoy working with CFF so much. There is a lot still to come.”

Classic Fine Foods hq.cff@classicfinefoods.com www.classicfinefoods.com

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Cambodian

Catalyst

As Cambodia’s economy continues to grow at one of the fastest rates in the world, organisations such as The Royal Group deepen their investments and commitments to this vibrant Asian nation Writer: Tom Wadlow | Project Manager: Donovan Smith

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A nation torn apart by civil war and its aftermath in the 1970s, more recent times have shown the green shoots of socioeconomic recovery, the past two decades in particular providing evidence that the country is looking forwards into a bright future.

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And the latest World Bank statistics provide ample evidence to back up this observation.

For example, Cambodia reached lower middle-income status in 2015, with governing authorities aiming to obtain upper middle-income status by 2030. Driven by garment exports and tourism, the nation’s economy has sustained an average annual growth

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rate of 7.7 percent between 1995 and 2018, one of the highest in the world.

This activity has led to a continual fall in poverty across the country, official estimates citing a poverty rate of 13.5 percent in 2014 compared with 47.8 percent in 2007.

Further advances have been made in healthcare and education, especially in the fields of maternal and child health,

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A MULTIFACETED PORTFOLIO Royal Group has interests in around 40 companies spread across numerous industries in Cambodia.

The organisation segments this portfolio into the following categories: > Finance, insurance and investments > Transportation and aviation > Telecommunications and IT > Media and entertainment > Hospitality, tourism and leisure > Property development and investment > Franchise development and country representation > Future projects and development > Service industries

early childhood development and primary education in rural areas; and although developmental challenges remain and require sustained reform, there is an undoubted sense of optimism brewing.

One organisation reverberating such optimism is The Royal Group of Companies.

At the heart of Cambodia’s economic development over the past 20-plus years, the conglomerate stands as the most diversified and largest investment body in the country.

“New affluence is spreading throughout Cambodia,” it states on its website. “Urbanisation, growing literacy rates, and the return of many Cambodians from overseas are reshaping the economic landscape.

“The country has a predominantly young population and an emerging middle class providing a manpower and consumer pool that is revitalising the business environment for the long term.”

Royal Group also highlights the young demographics and rising literacy rates which have risen to 75 percent since 2000, with urban populations growing at a rate of over five percent annually since 1990. Booming tourism, lucrative access to ASEAN, European and North American markets, and a low domestic

tax regime are other causes for optimism cited by the company.

These thoughts are backed up in action, no better demonstrated than by the sheer size and depth of Royal Group’s investment portfolio.

Whether it be Cellcard in the technology sphere, ANZ Royal Bank in the finance domain or Northbridge Development Co in the real estate arena, the group’s interests are spread far and wide. This remit also extends heavily into travel and tourism, with investments including The Royal Sands Koh Rong, Giant Ibis Transport and Hotel Cambodiana.

An international vision

This diversity of interests reflects the vision of Royal Group’s Chairman & CEO Neak Oknha Kith Meng.

Spending most of his youth in Australia, he returned to Cambodia in the early 1990s and immediately saw the potential for the nation to thrive.

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“It truly is an exciting time in the fastest-growing economy in the world,” he writes in his Chairman’s message. “The Kingdom is facing an incredible future despite its recent history…

“What I found was a country that needed to rise from the ashes. I realised that Cambodia required strong and committed business leaders if it was ever to survive and develop as a nation.”

Kith Meng goes on to explain how his personal journey has occurred in tandem with the nation.

Starting with next to nothing, he has built up The Royal Group into what he describes as the most strategic portal to investing in Cambodia.

“Over the last two decades, we have established a series of market-leading companies with the most recognisable brand names in the country,” he adds in his message. “The cornerstones of our success have been built on transparency, good governance and social conscience.

“Cambodia still has a long way to go and everything is in place for this country to be one of the bestperforming in Asia for decades to come. There is significant opportunity for investment in every sector of the economy. Investors in the country

today will reap the benefits of a rapidly developing nation for many decades to come.”

The Chairman & CEO also refers to a stable government committed to a free market economy as vital in the recent economic success story, a regime which has helped groups such as his to thrive and provide employment opportunities to Cambodia’s young and energised population.

Powering a digital Cambodia

Technology will be key to realising the potential so passionately outlined by Kith Meng.

Indeed, this has been a particularly busy space for Royal Group in recent months, the company signing a memorandum of understanding with Cambodia’s Ministry of Posts and Telecommunication (MPTC) to encourage and support the Kingdom’s drive to digitalisation and the adoption of 5G. Signed in May 2019, the MoU will see both parties step up collaborations and planning for wide-scale adoption of next generation technologies for use cases such as e-government, artificial intelligence, IoT technologies, as well as an ICT innovation centre and cloud data centre.

ECAM SOLUTION

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leading system integration company in Cambodia, eCam Solution provides business solutions, IT infrastructure and related services to banks and financial services companies, telcos and ISPs, and hospitality and enterprise businesses.

In the area of IT infrastructure, services and products include systems and networking, virtualisation, rectifiers, security, alarms and network cabling.

Other key services for business include core banking, switching and CMS, digital banking, ERP, HCM and HRM, and real estate solutions.

Another area of focus comes under the banner of data centres and power, with services including cooling, raised floors, and UPS. T +855 23900 387 E info@ecamsolution.com

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VCAN

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CAN conducts businesses in many industries such as consumer media, property and investment spanning across AEC. We are honoured to be partner with CBS. Our media division, together with CBS, is the pioneer of Thai dramas in Cambodia airing on MyTV and CTN. We’ve always aired the top rated programmes nationwide, while our consumer division sponsors CBS, the main marketing channel that drives and grows our products in Cambodia.

VCAN will continue investing and providing the best content to ensure successful ratings and sponsorship with CBS.

T +66 2 399 4130 E media@vcan.co.th

www.vcan.co.th

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#10A, St 546/313 Sangkat Beoeng Kak 1, Tuol Kork, Phnom Penh, Cambodia Hotline: +855 12 412006/+855 12 556682, Tel: +855 23900 387 Email: info@ecamsolution.com www.ecamsolution.com

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INFINITY INSURANCE

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ince established by Kith Meng’s Royal Group in 2011, Infinity General Insurance has grown to be the Kingdom’s largest CambodianOwned insurer.

Further, the partnership will focus on security measures such as disaster recovery, digital signatures and website and email safeguarding.

On announcement of the partnership, Kith Meng commented: “The Royal Group, through our ICT Division, will work with the MPTC to lead the adoption of 5G in Cambodia.

“We have numerous projects already underway and have ensured strong representation of the Kingdom at some very critical delegations including the China Belt and Road Initiative and the Digital Silk Road. We placed our first successful 5G call in September 2018 and are launching 5G services for the general public at the end of this year.

“We will ensure Cambodia stands strongly as a shining example in the region for technological evolution in line with the rapidly advancing commercial sector and increasing economic growth.”

Another tech-focused development earlier this year saw mobile operator Cellcard partner with a gaming tournament held at the Digital Cambodia event at Koh Pich, offering gamers who use their SIMs special in-game upgrades. Cellcard’s booth at the event showcased, among other things, what it has to offer in the world of augmented and virtual reality.

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Building the future

Away from the world of digital, Royal Group is also powering development on the ground in the form of real estate.

In May, the company unveiled a major mixed-use development project in Toul Kork, a project carried out in a partnership with Singaporean property developer Hong Lai Huat Group Limited.

Named Royal Platinum and spanning 100,000 square metres, the site will provide both residential and commercial opportunities, improving home affordability, creating jobs and attracting further investment to the growing city centre.

Once completed in 2021/22, It will house 851 apartments and 50 retail units contained within an indoor shopping street.

At the ground-breaking ceremony, Royal Group Chief Financial Officer Mark Hanna commented: “We believe the development will provide an attractive lifestyle for families and contribute to the economic vibrancy of the area with offices for small and medium sized businesses.

“The development will also provide great shopping alternatives and entertainment facilities for all ages including an indoor shopping street,

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This represents a landmark initiative for Royal Group and will join a long list of prestigious construction either complete or in progress, including the development of Cambodia’s first sixstar resort, named Royal Park Resort and located in Siem Reap.

In building for the future, the organisation is also acutely aware of its responsibilities from a social and environmental perspective.

It believes that all individuals, corporations and other bodies need to actively be involved in the conservation of the environment and the growth and wellbeing of society, and has established its own environmental and community service policy.

With an eye on advancing a sustainable, responsible future, as well as a profitable one, Royal Group and its vast portfolio of companies look set to contribute enormously to Cambodia’s development in years to come.

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

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TEAMS’ priority is to meet our customer’s needs with the highest level of skills, ethics and service quality.

TEAMS will continually improve our management systems, staff capabilities and local knowledge to ensure safety and customer satisfaction are maintained to international and Australian standards. enquires@teams-cambodia.com

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I N T E R N AT I O N A L B U I LT E N V I R O N M E N T W E E K

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F O C U S Expo and Convention Center. IBEW 2019 is the ideal platform for industry leaders and professionals from the global built environment to exchange ideas on policies, innovations, new technologies as well as the latest trends that are shaping the future of construction and building industry.

IBEW 2019 will congregate over 550 exhibitors, including companies like FINALCAD, Robert Bosch, Futurus Construction, Therrawood, Igloohome, Halton and Mation. More than 50 industry leaders will share the latest innovation and best practices in their respective fields, with approximately 12,000 business delegates convening at this event as well.

IBEW attendees can also sign

Four dynamic tradeshows bring together leading industry professionals

EVENT DETAILS WHEN: September 3-6 WHERE: Singapore WEBSITE: www.ibew.sg

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FROM SEPTEMBER 3-6, International Built Environment Week (IBEW) will feature four co-located tradeshows showcasing the latest innovations and industry solutions.

These include BEX Asia covering the integrated design and planning space, Innobuild (IB) Asia focusing on construction 4.0, Mostra Convegno Expocomfort (MCE) Asia zooming in on energy efficient solutions and renewable energy, and Smart Cities and Buildings (SCB) Asia featuring the latest advances in urban solutions and smart cities.

The shows are set to take centre stage at Singapore’s Marina Bay Sands

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Extending the knowledge sharing beyond the exhibition, IBEW 2019 will also incorporate exciting complimentary seminars held during the tradeshows including: • Green View – the latest trends and technological innovations in green façade design and building architecture.

• Exergy Xchange – latest developments in new technologies that maximise energy efficiency in buildings.

• Digital Rally – attendees can get up to speed with latest advances in intelligent buildings and cities. up for the three-day International Built Environment Conference (IBEC) where industry leaders and thought leaders will share the latest innovations, best practices and ideology that will shape the entire built environment lifecycle.

FOOD INGREDIENTS ASIA

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Showcasing the best F&B ingredients from around the world

EVENT DETAILS WHEN: September 11-13 WHERE: Bangkok, Thailand WEBSITE: www.figlobal.com/asia-thailand

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FI ASIA, THE leading food and beverage ingredients event in the Southeast Asia region, will take place from September 11-13, 2019 in vibrant Bangkok, Thailand at the Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre (BITEC).

Fi Asia rotates annually between Thailand and Indonesia and each edition gathers leading domestic and international ingredient suppliers, distributors, and food and beverage manufacturers from across the ASEAN region and all over the world.

Here, they showcase ingredient solutions, present the latest innovations and trends, and offer networking opportunities with

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industry professionals – all over the course of three days, under one roof.

This year’s event is expected to gather 750-plus suppliers and 20,000plus visitors from around the world to make valuable business connections and review an extensive range of product innovations across the show’s dedicated health ingredients, natural ingredients and beverage ingredients pavilions.

Natural ingredients Asia: Discover natural and organic ingredients for supplements, nutraceuticals, functional food, beverages, and any other food related products.

Beverage ingredients Asia: Find leading suppliers who will be showcasing the latest in beverage ingredients.

Health ingredients Asia: Explore a dedicated area for sourcing health ingredients and solutions.

As well as the wide range of exhibitors, Fi Asia will also host a range of conferences, seminars and other onsite features to keep you up to date on the latest trends and innovations across the industry.

Discover new ideas for your business

11-13 September 2019 BITEC, Bangkok, Thailand

JOIN US IN BANGKOK www.fiasia.com/bangkok

MINING INDONESIA

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One of five industry exhibitions under one roof

EVENT DETAILS WHEN: September 18-21 WHERE: Jakarta, Indonesia WEBSITE: www.mining-indonesia.com

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ORGANISED BY PT. Pamerindo Indonesia, Indonesia’s first five mega shows for energy, engineering, and infrastructure sector will hit the floor on September 18–21, 2019.

Combining the Concrete Show South East Asia, Construction Indonesia, Oil & Gas Indonesia, and Marintec Indonesia, this year Mining Indonesia will celebrate its 19th edition at JIExpo Kemayoran, Jakarta.

With over than 30 years of experience, Mining Indonesia is Indonesia’s largest international mining equipment exhibition and provides a professional platform for Indonesia’s

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mining industries to do business.

Open to trade mining visitors, the show offers unique opportunities to both international and domestic companies to demonstrate their products, services and projects to highly targeted audience.

It brings together key players in the global mining industry, regional experts, government, and contractors, the most effective way to stay connected to your industry or to increase your business in Southeast Asia, the biggest mining market. See the latest, feel the experience… five mega exhibitions all under one roof.

18 - 21 September 2019 Jakarta International Expo, Kemayoran Indonesia

Co-Located with:

Incorporating:

The 19th International Mining & Mineral Recovery Exhibition & Conference

Book your space TODAY! For further information, please contact your nearest office: INFORMA MARKETS SINGAPORE

ORGANISERS INDONESIA Rachel Pardede +6221 2525 320 rachel@pamerindo.com

Violet Lee +65 6233 6767 bcm.iem@ubm.com

www.mining-indonesia.com

INFORMA MARKETS UNITED KINGDOM Leonie Brooker +44 20 7560 4311 leonie.brooker@ubm.com

FOOD2CHINA EXPO 2019

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A promotional platform for global food enterprise

EVENT DETAILS WHEN: September 26-28 WHERE: Guangzhou, China WEBSITE: www.en.food2chinaexpo.com

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FO OD2CHINA EXPO 2019, an experienced and professional exhibition in South China specialising in imported food industry, will be held in Area C of Guangzhou Canton Fair Hall on September 26-28.

The exhibition is organised by Guangdong Import Food Association and Guangzhou Food2China Network Technology Co., Ltd and managed

by Worldex-SingEx Exhibitions (Guangzhou) Co., Ltd. The Guangdong Committee of China Council for the Promotion of International Trade serves as the supporting unit of the Expo.

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FOOD2CHINA EXPO, rooted in South China and covering the whole country, is committed to the development of the international imported food industry.

With its foundation established, FOOD2CHINA EXPO will become a promising platform that provides global imported food enterprises with business networking and opportunities as well as brand promotion.

Five reasons to attend this year include: • Improvement in scale, exhibitors and professional buyers.

• Greater choice of products.

• Accurate business matching to improve the efficiency of business negotiation.

• Greater variety of activities, such as training, will be covered.

• Cooperation with local associations, gathering professional resources.

S U P P LY C H A I N F I N A N C E S U M M I T – A PA C

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Helping to define the future of working capital EVENT DETAILS WHEN: October 15-16 WHERE: Singapore CONTACT: yongmei.he@bcrpub.com WEBSITE: www.bcrpub.com/events

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BCR’S SUPPLY CHAIN Finance Summit-APAC in Singapore focuses on the growth of supply chain finance across the APAC region.

With local governments, international and regional banks, and investors all actively encouraging the development of local and cross-border SCF programmes, it is now, more than ever before, vital to review the latest developments in this market and understand how to capitalise on opportunities in this region.

Join us in Singapore to hear from the industry’s thought leaders, engage

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in debate, network with your peers and help define the future of working capital.

As a media partner, Asia Outlook can offer its members a 10 percent discount on a delegate pass rate. To register please follow this link: www.bcrpub.com/events/supply-chainfinance-summit-apac-0 The ASIA19 delegate discount code is SCFSA19 – please utilise the code upon booking.

Alternatively, you can contact yongmei.he@bcrpub.com quoting your discount code for payment via invoice.

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BCR’s inaugural Supply Chain Finance Summit-APAC in Singapore focuses on the growth of supply chain finance across the region.

With local governments, international and regional banks and investors all actively encouraging the development of local and cross-border SCF programmes, it is now, more than ever before, vital to review the latest developments in this market and understand how to capitalise on opportunities in this region.

The event attracts global industry practitioners representing experts from all sides of the table including: • Global banks & supply chain finance platforms

World Supply Chain Finance Report 2019 Expert views and opinions on today’s global supply chain finance market

Published by

Edited by Michael Bickers

World Supply Chain Finance Report is the official publication of BCR Supply Chain Finance events.

• Auditors, ratings agencies, legal & insurance experts • Technology providers & fintechs • Corporate treasurers, financial directors & heads of procurement Confirmed speakers include: Sriram Srinivasan, Regional Head, ASEAN, Tata Chemicals International Sarat Mohanty, Head, Global Trade Implementation, Transaction Banking, Standard Chartered Bank Xing Xian Ang, Co-Founder, Capital Bay

Register now at www.bcrpub.com/events and use your 10% discount code: ASIA19

ZiXuan New, Treasury Manager, Rio Tinto Krishna Prasad, General Manager, Finance, Agrocorp

*Corporate Investors and Students attend for free. There are a limited number of free tickets available for corporate clients. Corporate clients are individuals directly employed by corporates who have received/are receiving finance from a bank, non-bank or alternative finance platform. Qualified corporate clients must be directly involved in their company’s financial planning/procurement decisions and strategy. Subject to availability and qualification by BCR Publishing.

www.bcrpub.com/events Adam Mills: +44 (0)20 8466 6987 adam.mills@bcrpub.com

5TH CWC CHINA LNG & GAS INTERNATIONAL SUMMIT & EXHIBITION

E V E N T

The exclusive meeting place for LNG and gas buyers and sellers in China

CHINA’S APPETITE FOR LNG shows no signs of waning. The country, which leapfrogged South Korea to become the second-largest importer of LNG in 2017, just over a decade after its first ever shipments, is now on track to surpass Japan to become the world’s biggest buyer of super-chilled fuel in just over five years.

Last year the country boosted imports 41 percent to 54 million tonnes

EVENT DETAILS WHEN: October 15-16 WHERE: Beijing, China CONTACT: ChinaLNG@thecwcgroup.com WEBSITE: www.chinalngsummit.com

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(mt), building on growth of almost 50 percent in 2017, and analysts at Platts project that LNG demand will hit 68 mt/year by 2023.

The government’s dash-for-gas, given added impetus by the three-year ‘blue sky defence’ policy to reduce pollution, means Chinese buyers are keen to source reliable supplies and build out storage and pipeline infrastructure in order to avoid the kind of supply crunch that marked the unusually cold winter of 2017/18. The emphasis on security of supply has boosted investment in domestic gas production, which grew by 7.5 per cent in 2018, as well as gas supply deals for piped gas from resource-rich neighbour Russia. LNG, however, gives China the comfort of diversity of supply from producers from around the world.

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With China seeking to bridge the gap between its gas consumption and supply, the industry’s appetite for new projects is ripe. Meet all major players involved in long and short-term LNG imports, trading, policy making and financing at the 5th CWC China LNG & Gas International Summit, to be held in Park Hyatt - Beijing, China, on October 15-16, 2019.

Now in its fifth year, the Summit brings together the key players in the LNG and gas industry in China and globally to network, debate and do deals.

Register now to get direct access to all major decision makers and to hear from CNOOC, PetroChina International, Beijing Gas Group, Qatargas, Cheniere, ExxonMobil, ENN Group and more.

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S U P P O R T I N G O R G A N I S AT I O N S

O F F I C I A L R E S E A R C H PA R T N E R

C O N N E C T I N G Y O U W I T H T H E E N T I R E L N G & G A S VA L U E C H A I N I N C H I N A

WANG Lei

Mabel Leung

General Manager, Natural Gas Department

President, China Gas Marketing

Ali Mohammed Al-Emadi

Andrew Walker

PetroChina International

ExxonMobil

VP Strategy

Cheniere

Commercial & Shipping Marketing Long Term Sales Manager

Qatargas

ZHENG Hongtao

ZHU Jianying

ENN Group

Towngas

Guangzhou Gas Group

Tom Earl

Mineko Hida

Venture Global LNG

Diamond Gas International Pte. Ltd

Bernard Samuels General Manager Shell Energy (China)

President, Energy Trading & Marketing

Chief Commercial Officer

Senior Vice President

Vice President

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Deputy General Manager

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For further information, please contact Wayne Zhang on +44 20 7978 0000 or email ChinaLNG@thecwcgroup.com

ALL-ENERGY AUSTRALIA 2019

E V E N T

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Clean power takes centre stage in Melbourne EVENT DETAILS WHEN: October 23-24 WHERE: Melbourne, Australia CONTACT: info@all-energy.com.au WEBSITE: www.all-energy.com.au

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AUSTRALIA’S LARGEST AND most comprehensive clean and renewable energy event, All-Energy Australia will run from October 23-24, 2019 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.

This free-to-attend, business-tobusiness exhibition and conference opens up a world of opportunities for the clean energy sector. This year’s event will feature over 200 world-class speakers and showcase more than 250 local and international exhibiting companies.

Held in partnership with the Clean

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Energy Council, All-Energy Australia provides delegates with access to the latest technology, information and trends relevant to those working or investing in the renewables sector.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to build connections with like-minded professionals at exclusive business networking events.

All-Energy Australia is co-located with Waste Expo Australia and Energy Efficiency Expo, forming the most significant national showcase of clean energy, energy efficiency and sustainability.

9 23-24 October 2019 Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre

ADVANCING AUSTRALIA’S TRANSITION TO

A CLEAN ENERGY FUTURE

8,500+

INDUSTRY CONNECTIONS*

250+

LEADING SOLUTION PROVIDERS

200+

EXPERT SPEAKERS

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*Based on 8,571 unique visitors at All-Energy Australia 2018. CAB Audited by Audited Media Association of Australia.

FREE-TO-ATTEND EXPO & CONFERENCE Register now at: all-energy.com.au Co-located with

Organised by

INTERNATIONAL MINING AND RESOURCES CONFERENCE (IMARC)

E V E N T

THE INTERNATIONAL MINING and Resources Conference (IMARC) is where global mining leaders connect with technology, finance and the future.

Now in its sixth year, it is Australia’s largest mining event bringing together over 7,000 decision makers, mining leaders, policy makers, investors,

EVENT DETAILS WHEN: October 28-31 WHERE: Melbourne, Australia CONTACT: info@imarcmelbourne.com WEBSITE: www.imarcmelbourne.com

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Where global mining leaders connect with technology, finance and the future commodity buyers, technical experts, innovators and educators from over 100 countries to Melbourne for four days of learning, deal-making and unparalleled networking.

BHP, Gold Fields and Cardinal Resources are just some of the companies you can expect to hear from with the conference programme featuring over 300 global thought leaders covering the entire mining supply chain, from exploration, to investment, production to optimisation through to new technologies.

Asia will be a key focus for discussion within the brand-new Global Opportunities conference featuring ministerial addresses as well as highlighting investment opportunities and project updates. Alongside this

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are brand-new conferences on energy, the environment, workforce engagement as well as mine and plant optimisation.

Furthermore, the free exhibition will feature over 260 leading companies across the 12,000-squaremetre expo floor showcasing the latest mining projects, equipment and innovations the industry has on offer. Komatsu, Micromine, Murray Engineering, Lepidico, Startrace, Microsoft, Wirtgen and ThyssenKrupp are just some of the companies you can expect to meet.

CLAIM YOUR FREE EXPO PASS or receive up to further 10 percent off current early bird prices when registering with the discount code MA1200AO.

LOOKING FOR YOUR NEXT BIG INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY?

The International Mining and Resources Conference (IMARC) is Australia’s largest mining investment forum bringing together over 7000 decision makers, mining leaders, policy makers, investors, commodity buyers, technical experts, innovators and educators from over 100 countries to Melbourne for four days of learning, deal-making and unparalleled networking.

Over 400 mining and energy companies are expected to attend. From diversified majors such as BHP, Rio Tinto and South 32; to gold mid-tiers including OceanaGold and Evolution Mining. Through to some of the most compelling exploration and development companies, this year’s IMARC provides an excellent opportunity to identify and compare new investments.

As investors are always asking how to leverage short-term price gains and understand which companies and commodities to go long on. The conference programme will provide you with firsthand information from leading investment experts such as Anglo Pacific CEO Julian Treger, EMR Capital MD Jason Chang and Denham Capital MD Bert Koth so you can find out where they are putting their money and which commodities they are backing.

Investors looking to diversify their portfolio will also be able to review start up and scale up technologies, energy projects as well as opportunities around the world, with dedicated sessions for Australia, Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Europe, Canada, USA and Latin America.

6TH ANNUAL

INTERNATIONAL MINING AND RESOURCES CONFERENCE + EXPO

Workshops: 28 October 2019 Conference & Exhibition: 29 - 31 October 2019 Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre Founding Partners

CLAIM YOUR COMPLIMENTARY INVESTOR PASS

IMARCMELBOURNE.COM/INVEST

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To round off each issue, we ask our contributing business leaders for their views on the same question

What, in your opinion, makes a good business leader?

Sam Shih COO, OYO Hotels China “In my opinion, the ability to spot and build on great talent is essential. At OYO, we believe in distributed leadership and even refer to our employees as OYOpreneurs. OYO doesn’t require its leaders to have a hospitalityspecific background, but they must be armoured with holistic, innovative thoughts and a vision of the long-term strategy.”

Chris Wailes Managing Director, Volvo Cars Thailand “I believe that being a good business leader starts with yourself. Understanding your own strengths and weaknesses is very important, together with being aware of the potential impacts on your team both professionally as well as personally.

“My experience has taught me that providing a clear strategy together with a clear direction is key, as every individual has the capability to interpret your message in a different way.”

“I think trust and empowerment are two very important factors in leadership as well – empower individuals to take decisions based on the strategy and direction. For me, empowerment also means that it is OK to make a mistake, as this is part of the learning process and I have found that it is very rare that team members make more than one. When the time comes that you have to take a decision, it is important to take the decision quickly (in some circumstances) and always

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with fairness and equality.

“Finally, I believe that communication is key, together with passion for what you do, commitment to each individual team member and positivity.”

Marc Barrington CEO, SIMEC Energy Australia “I think first and foremost, it is being comfortable that you are not – and don’t have to be – the smartest guy in the room. I have been very fortunate to work for some great leaders in my time and I have always found that to be an admirable trait, as it enables a team to build competencies and engagement around what it is they are attempting to achieve. Second, to be a good leader, one has to genuinely care, and have concern for, the people they lead. Without that, mutual respect – and the desire to achieve against common goals – is near impossible to generate.”

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Bala Vijayasingam Country Director – Malaysia, CBRE “I have come to know a diverse group of leaders in different fields. Unwavering principles (on the basis that they are sound principles!) is a key differentiation which makes them stand out as being good for their company and for their staff. It provides consistency and generates long-term value to their companies or divisions which is then of interest to their stakeholders.

“Leading by example is another key component of a good leader.

Asides being motivational to the people around the leader, it also generates trust in the message the leaders put out that they are willing to walk the walk. This is also necessary to successfully implement the aforementioned principle-based directions and forms a differentiator to clients and staff alike.”

Navigating Australia onto the global yacht building stage...

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ASIA ECHO MARINE GROUP

Navigating Australia onto the global yacht building stage

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Wind in the Sails

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ore and more high and ultra-high net worth individuals are taking an interest in yachts.

From covering vessels in gold to redefining the boundaries of a superyacht’s size, the market appears to be sailing into a healthy future.

Indeed, according to Coherent Market Insights, the global demand for these larger vessels is set to surpass $35.5 billion by 2026, growing at an average rate of 5.3 percent a year.

More than 400 yachts measuring 24 or more metres in length were sold around the world in 2018, and AsiaPacific is expected to be the fastestgrowing region in the years ahead, owing to a rise in wealthy individuals and growth of marine and water-based sports tourism.

China alone is expected to see an 8.1 percent annual rise in demand for yachts until at least 2022, a market driven by its growing base of millionaires and billionaires.

This global and regional backdrop means that Australia is perfectly poised to pounce.

Home to Henderson-based (WA) Echo Marine Group, the country has been establishing itself as an economical and superior alternative to the established yacht builders of northern Europe.

Challenging this status quo has long been the ambition of Echo’s CoFounder and Director Mark Stothard, the industry veteran of 30-plus years eager to provide some healthy disruption to the sector.

Asked how important it is to compete on the global stage, he responds: “Very. We are competing in a market comprising luxury design and first-class shipbuilding, coupled with engineering superiority and the highest standards in quality.

“Aside from a few exceptions, the

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Having proven itself and Australia as a viable alternative to the traditional European establishment, Echo Marine Group is poised to serve the growing demand across Asia-Pacific for superyachts Writer: Tom Wadlow | Project Manager: Josh Mann

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superyacht manufacturing industry centres around numerous German, Dutch, Italian and more recently some Turkish shipyards. Several of the German, Dutch and Italian yards offer very traditional superyacht platforms and build experiences and premium branding, with premium price tags attached.”

The New World of yacht building

Echo Marine Group, through its manufacturing, refit and maintenance brand Echo Yachts, is transforming these perceptions.

While the company offers the same fundamentals relating to luxury design, experience and strength in shipbuilding and engineering, Stothard explains a number of distinct advantages built upon Western Australia’s rich shipbuilding heritage.

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across all in-house disciplines, helping initiate the sharing of knowledge between generations – only very occasionally will the company draw on expertise from overseas.

This cohort of knowledge combine with Echo Marine Group’s facilities to present a unique Australian shipbuilding offering.

Its site in Henderson comprises 100-metre and 80-metre shipbuilding halls which house specialist trade workshops, five- and three-axis NC mould and sheet cutting equipment, and large project/design office spaces.

“Echo Marine Group is the only superyacht and shipbuilding company in Australia capable of designing and building large one-of-a-kind vessels in any material (aluminium, composite and steel) in any hull form (monohull, catamaran and trimaran),” Stothard says.

“This ensures that all client requirements can be efficiently WWW.ASIAOUTLOOKMAG.COM 2 created and delivered to the highest standards under one roof.”

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West Australian superyacht builder Oceanfast.

“This provides a very skilled and experienced pool to draw upon and helps to ensure we have the best possible staff and skills. We can also expand for multiple overlapping large projects when the need arises.”

Echo also invests notable resources into hiring and training apprentices

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Futureproofing

As the regional demand for superyachts grows, Echo Marine Group appears well set to exploit new business opportunities both in this segment and its commercial and defence units.

Looking ahead, Stothard identifies technical innovation as a must-have moving forwards, something which Echo already abundantly houses.

“Increasing performance and efficiency, minimising environmental impact and reducing vessel operating costs throughout lifecycle will be key,” he says. “We have observed many of the traditional shipyards applying state-of-the-art and often expensive

new tech and software solutions to achieve marginal gains in these areas.

“Echo Marine Group has already realised, delivered and proven far greater improvements, including 30 to 40 percent lower engine powering and fuel burn, extended range with reduced fuel capacity, and greater stability for comfort.”

These credentials were achieved with M/Y White Rabbit’s advanced trimaran multi-hull platform, a process which utilised current, reliable and affordable equipment technologies laid out and integrated in a smart way.

Stothard hints at new designs to be released into the luxury market in the coming months, the company

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also continuing with its refit work and looking to commence on some newbuild projects.

“On the commercial front we are building some very large aluminium vessel components as a subcontractor for a large international project, and providing sustainment services to several vessels in service,” he adds, detailing Echo’s activities beyond Echo Yachts.

“We are also planning to expand our defence service offerings with the manufacture of certain specialist components and installation of specialist coating systems. This will include producing large components and modules, plus specialist fitout,

electrical and engineering services for large defence contractors.”

The future thus looks a vibrant one for Echo Marine Group across all three of its specialist areas.

Add in the backdrop of a busy Asia-Pacific market on its doorstep, and Australia is very much open for business on the yacht building stage.

Echo Marine Group Tel: +61 (0)8 6555 4988 wa@echomarinegroup.com www.echomarinegroup.com

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Echo Marine Group has told its story.

Now, why not tell yours? Our bi-monthly magazine Asia Outlook is essential reading for business executives wanting to keep up with the latest in global news and trends affecting Asian businesses across all industries.

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