China’s Jade Rabbit Comes Back to Life
For those of you who don't know the story, the Jade Rabbit was China's first Moon rover, which was declared dead in space earlier this year because it could not be restored to full function. The Jade Rabbit, or Yutu, ran into technical difficulties on the Moon's surface, and "came back to life" just hours later. Although the rover is still malfunctioning, Pei Zhaoyu, spokesman for the lunar programme, stated: "At least it is alive so it is possible we could save it." Jade Rabbit was designed to spend three months on the Moon looking for natural resources. It is believed that the Moon could offer solar power generation as well as being the home of uranium, titanium and other mineral resources. The rover's name was chosen in an online poll of 3.4 million voters. The lunar landing was on December 15th last year and Jade Rabbit was able to send images back to Earth mere hours after, however it ran into technical problems in the last month of its service. The "mechanical control abnormality" was caused by the complicated lunar surface environment, the official Xinhua news agency reported. China is only the third country to complete a lunar rover mission, following on from the US and Soviet Union. Yutu came a decade after China sent their first astronaut into space. Sky news stated that the Jade Rabbit was seen as a "symbol of the country's growing global stature, increasing technological influence and reversing the fortunes of the once-impoverished country."
CHC Construction
The Forefront of Singapore Infrastructure Infrastructure is big business in Singapore at the moment, and CHC Construction is at the forefront of that trend. This civil engineering company was established specifically to meet Singapore's need for road infrastructure works, reinforced concrete structures, sewerage rehabilitation and even sports fields construction. Writer Chris Farnell Project manager Arron Rampling From its humble origins as a start-up company with only 10 members of staff, over the last nine years CHC Construction has grown to employ over 200 people, with a bidding capacity of up to $50 million for government contracts. However, as much as the market for infrastructure work is booming, it's also highly competitive. Fortunately, CHC Construction has been able to maintain a competitive edge by investing in new technology, the very latest equipment, and a dynamic, dedicated team, netting them contracts with Singapore Government entities as varied as LTA , PUB, HDB, JTC, URA and MOE. But to understand how they've managed this, you need to understand the company's history. CHC Construction Pte Ltd was founded in July of 2005. Originally the company was a tight-knit team of only 10 people. The outstanding levels of expansion that the company has seen in the subsequent nine years is something the company has credited to the sheer levels of perseverance and hard work they put in, seeing CHC Construction successfully navigate the worst of the global financial catastrophes of the last decade. Throughout this period they've offered a diverse range of services, including the widening, temporary diversion and permanent reinstatement…
Robinsons Land Corporation
The Lay of the Land Robinsons Land Corporation is one of the leading property developers in the Philippines, with an impressive and varied portfolio. Writer Chris Farnell Project manager Arron Rampling As Mybelle GoBio, Senior Vice President for Robinsons Residences, Luxuria and Communities of Robinsons Land Corporation explains, the company has built up an impressive reputation; "Robinsons Land Corporation is a leading and respected Philippine property developer that has a portfolio consisting of a diverse mix of developments. To-date, we have 62 residential condominium buildings, 32 subdivisions, 8 office buildings. 11 hotels and 35 shopping malls." Part of the reason Robinsons Land Corporation has become such a household name is that they cater to a wide array of potential markets. GoBio tells us, "We have four brands under our residential division. We have Robinsons Homes which was created primarily for first home buyers who prefer to live outside the urban areas. Robinsons Homes has over 21 subdivisions in the key provincial cities in the Philippines. Then there's our second brand, Robinsons Communities, which has developments typically located in close proximity to major central business districts and major transportation nodes. This is our group that offers compact and functional condominium units, catering to startup families, newly married couples, early nesters, young professionals. "Our third brand is the Robinsons Residences which offers convenient living spaces in urban centers. Our Residences projects are typically located within the major central business districts like the Bonifacio Global City, Ortigas Center, Manila City, Quezon City, Mandaluyong and Metro Cebu. Last but not…
M&W Singapore
Cutting Edge Construction & Engineering Even though M+W Group can trace its roots back over a century, there is nothing antiquated about this project management giant. Specialising in complete turnkey solutions from concept development to rapid realisation, there is no reason why it can't keep going for another 100 years. Writer Chris Farnell Project manager James Mitchell From small and humble beginnings as a heating, ventilation and air conditioning manufacturer established back in 1912, M+W Group has grown into one of the world's leading global engineering, construction and project management companies. Based in Stuttgart for the past 100 years, M+W Group specialises in the fields of advanced technology facilities, life sciences and chemicals, energy and environment as well as high tech infrastructure. Prominent research institutes and universities as well as organisations in sectors such as electronics, automotive, security, IT and telecoms heavily rely on M+W Group to provide a complete and comprehensive project management solution, from concept development to turnkey services. All the while, the company remains committed to delivering rapid realisation, high quality standards and cost-effective completion. Contributing to the company's worldwide order intake of €3.58bn in 2012 is M+W Group's Asia division, which was founded in 1991 and currently based in Singapore. Despite having divisions all over the globe, the entire organisation focuses on delivering the same standard of work in all regions and prides itself on implementing European health and safety regulations for every project it carries out. 'Enabling New Horizons' until the very end At the start of 2013, M+W Group's former…
Robinsons Land Corporation
The Lay of the Land Robinsons Land Corporation is one of the leading property developers in the Philippines, with an impressive and varied portfolio. Writer Chris Farnell Project manager Arron Rampling As Mybelle GoBio, Senior Vice President for Robinsons Residences, Luxuria and Communities of Robinsons Land Corporation explains, the company has built up an impressive reputation; "Robinsons Land Corporation is a leading and respected Philippine property developer that has a portfolio consisting of a diverse mix of developments. To-date, we have 62 residential condominium buildings, 32 subdivisions, 8 office buildings. 11 hotels and 35 shopping malls." Part of the reason Robinsons Land Corporation has become such a household name is that they cater to a wide array of potential markets. GoBio tells us, "We have four brands under our residential division. We have Robinsons Homes which was created primarily for first home buyers who prefer to live outside the urban areas. Robinsons Homes has over 21 subdivisions in the key provincial cities in the Philippines. Then there's our second brand, Robinsons Communities, which has developments typically located in close proximity to major central business districts and major transportation nodes. This is our group that offers compact and functional condominium units, catering to startup families, newly married couples, early nesters, young professionals. "Our third brand is the Robinsons Residences which offers convenient living spaces in urban centers. Our Residences projects are typically located within the major central business districts like the Bonifacio Global City, Ortigas Center, Manila City, Quezon City, Mandaluyong and Metro Cebu. Last but not…
Sunhuan Holdings
Brick by Brick Singapore construction firm Sunhuan celebrates its 20th anniversary. Writer Ian Armitage Project manager Arron Rampling Ambitious companies can maximise business opportunities but the best companies also recognise that success depends on the ability to think strategically and to spot opportunities and threats on the horizon. This is part of the continued success behind Singapore-based Sunhuan Construction, a firm that was first established in 1993 as a sub-contractor and which has evolved to become a Class A1 General Building Contractor, qualified to tender for projects with unrestricted tender limits. "Sunhuan demonstrates high-level viability coupled with sustainability of our business in this competitive industry," says general manager Alex Pang. "For instance, Sunhuan has practiced the Design & Build concept to provide flexibility and adaptability in satisfying the diverse demands of our customers. We have regular dialogue sessions with industry players and business partners to make necessary changes to our business models so as to stay competitive. We have also complied with all the standards and requirements through our QEHS policy to provide within budget, timely, quality services and products to our customers. In addition, we have also partnered with architectural and structural firms to design unique and cost efficient projects that meets the energy efficient requirements of the present market needs." Sunhuan was founded by Sun Lai Fong – a migrant worker who came to Singapore from China 30 years ago – and he attributes the firm's success to being "in-line with the most stringent quality and safety requirements". Talking in a commemorative book that…
Huationg Holdings
A 21st Century Business The demands of the logistics and fabrication market sectors in the 21st century are more complex than ever, with business becoming ever more globalised and people expecting ever more from manufacturers. It's in this exciting and fast moving environment that Huationg Holdings has learned to thrive. Writer Chris Farnell Project manager Arron Rampling Under the leadership of Managing Director Lee Chin Tiong, Huationg has built a name for itself by using top of the range industrial equipment and facilities, operated by a team of well trained, capable staff with over 20 years of experience as a company. The company is well known in the oil and gas, construction, shipping port and marine infrastructure industries. Today the business consists of six separate yet interlinked companies, Huationg Inland Transport Service, Huationg Asia, Hua Resources, Huakeong Trading and LSS Construction Pte Ltd. It's reached this point over three decades of hard work and dedication from relatively humble beginnings in the 1980s. They have expanded into subsidiary businesses, and each of those businesses has built a strong reputation on their own. Through hard work, integrity, and most importantly, a strong cohesiveness between staff and management, the Huationg group is now a name that immediately brings to mind excellent service. Indeed, over the last year the company's revenue has jumped from $59 million to $66 million, and even now they are considering expanding their geographic footprint into Burma. Values That Matter The trouble with being a holding company is that your business will hold other businesses, each…
Incorporated Builders Group
Building from solid foundations The Incorporated Builders Group has been steadily building a reputation for quality since its inception in 1983. They've earned a real name for themselves in the delivery of real estate and construction-related services to a huge variety of corporate clients. Writer Chris Farnell Project manager Arron Rampling The company has achieved this by delivering an impeccable service in full- spectrum design, construction and engineering. With clients that range from residential and industrial projects to, commercial, retail, hospitality and infrastructure, they are the go-to guys for both private and municipal clients. One only needs to look at the numbers to see the regard that the Incorporated Builders Group is held in. For the past five years they've recorded over 270 million Singapore dollars in orders, with over $100 million in turnover and contracts worth more than $74 million in 2013 alone. They've done this by having a clear set of goals and principals that the whole firm adheres to strictly. "We aim to be a global leader in the building and real estate business," says group director Dean Lim. "We strive towards generating maximum value and returns for all our clients and stakeholders, while creating a positive impact on our surrounding environment and communities." A key part of this is the importance the Incorporated Builders Group places on transparency. They work hard at establishing a clear and transparent financial dialogue with their clients that includes the services of reputable independent valuation services, so that the client knows they are being quoted a true…
Hwa Seng Builder
Leading in Infrastructure Singapore-based Hwa Seng Builder Pte Ltd is a leading civil engineering and construction provider, providing an integrated range of professional civil engineering works and construction-related services. Writer Chris Farnell Project manager Arron Rampling Hwa Seng Builder Pte Ltd, or HSB as it's often known, is a young company but it has already amassed a proud history as a leading provider of civil engineering and construction in Singapore. According to Thomas Ng, managing director of the firm, in the years since its founding HSB has grown to become a force to be reckoned with within a number of highly competitive fields. "My company started 21 years ago," he says. "We're a civil engineering contractor that does all kinds of infrastructure work such as building expressways, bridges, and road and drainage systems. We also have subsidiaries which do some property development, particularly private apartments." Indeed, HSB is a name that you'll find behind a whole range of infrastructure projects around Singapore and its work is associated with not just expressways, bridges, drainage and roadways but also aircraft pavements, runways and taxi ways, earthworks, golf courses, sewerage and more. Originally established as a way of tapping into local technical know-how, expertise and resources, the company has become a go-to provider for the region thanks to the high level of quality it provides. "We have two decades of experience working in Singapore," Ng adds, clear about the ingredients that have mixed to create the company's success. "We have wide ranging experience in the field and also I…
Holcim Singapore
Raising the bar in sustainability Holcim is one of the world's leading suppliers of cement and aggregates. It is also a leader in sustainability. Writer Ian Armitage Project manager James Mitchell The past six years have been very good to Holcim Singapore and Dr Sujit Ghosh. Its market share has grown to almost double what it was in 2007 when he took over the role of CEO and Holcim's brand image has been "strengthened dramatically". "When I took over we had low market share and the brand was relatively unknown," he says. There are several factors behind its success. A major one is an unrelenting focus on sustainability – Holcim's vision to provide "foundations for society's future and commitment to sustainable development", continuously seeking "ways to promote sustainable construction through innovation". It's a hell of a vision. And for Dr Ghosh, it is much more than mere window-dressing. He believes that by adopting sustainable practices, companies "can gain competitive edge, increase their market share, and boost shareholder value". What's more, the "growing demand for 'green' products has created major new markets," he says. Before joining Holcim, Dr Ghosh worked with Lafarge Asia-Pacific as Regional technical Director and had a role in several other major multinational corporations. Holcim Singapore is a subsidiary of the Swiss-headquartered Holcim group. "Our sustainability efforts are central to our core strategy," he says. "Apart from focusing on business growth, we also put a strong commitment to sustainability development. Typically, companies have lofty visions and Holcim also has its own lofty vision –…
