Issue 46
DBI Design
Creating for Communities Australia’s DBI Design prides itself on creating spaces that enable communities to thrive, its vast and varied portfolio of projects at home and abroad being built up over four decades of craft Writer: Tom Wadlow | Project Manager: Eddie Clinton Australia has faced more than its fair share of challenges in 2020. From the bushfires that raged at the beginning of the year to the ongoing battle to contain the worst of the coronavirus pandemic, you could be forgiven for wishing to fast-forward into 2021 with the hope that brighter times lie ahead. However, what this year has also shown is tremendous societal resilience and innovation in response to a crisis. Aussies have rallied to do their bit for the greater good by complying with restrictions which in ordinary times would be unfathomable in an advanced democratic society. Meanwhile, businesses have continued to operate in what are now newly normal parameters. In the real estate development and construction sphere, there is certainly cause for optimism. “We are seeing major interest from development companies both Australian and internationally owned, from New South Wales and Victoria in particular, wanting to purchase development sites,” says Raith Anderson, Managing Director of national architecture practice DBI Design. “The residential property market in Southeast Queensland remains strong with an influx of purchasers from the southern states looking to secure a more balanced lifestyle. Canberra is another market that continues to perform extremely well, and we have a number of projects there that are being well received in the marketplace.” Anderson and DBI are better placed than most to…
Trident Water Systems
The Water GuardianSafeguarding the world’s most precious resource has never been more important, and Trident Water Systems is determined to impart sound, sustainable practice into industrial wastewater activities across Asia Writer: Tom Wadlow | Project Manager: David Knott “It is critical that proper wastewater treatment is implemented in every country and every industry to prevent pollution of our precious waterways, rivers and water bodies. Clean water is a finite resource, but with innovative technology and proper management and enforcement, it is a resource that can be rejuvenated and kept in abundance.” Theron Madhavan and his company are on a mission to safeguard the world’s most precious resource – water. As Founder and CEO of Singapore-based Trident Water Systems (TWS), the entrepreneur is emboldened and determined to play his part in ensuring that industrial wastewater is managed responsibly for the betterment of the planet. It is a big responsibility, Madhavan all too aware of the size of the task at hand. “The industrial wastewater sector is highly fragmented and enforcement and corporate compliance is still something that needs improvements,” he explains. “However, it is heartening to see many initiatives and the adoption of UN’s Global Compact Network and the Sustainable Development Goals by many industry players – it’s a good start and I believe that much more is to come.” So, how is TWS positioned to help? Established by Madhavan in 2017, the company today stands as a reputed specialist in industrial wastewater treatment, with more than 150 of its systems installed across a range of industries, including oil and gas, textiles, electro-plating, food and…
CPRW
80 Not OutHaving reached its 80th birthday in what has been a tumultuous year, New Zealand’s CPRW is looking ahead to the next chapter in its development, one defined by agility, resilience and a willingness to explore new ideas Writer: Tom Wadlow | Project Manager: Eddie Clinton While being in business is both exciting and challenging at the best of times, this particular juncture has reminded us that you never know what lies around the corner and to take nothing for granted. It has also reinforced the importance of preparation and contingency planning.” If 2020 has taught us anything, it is to expect the unexpected. When the first mutterings of the coronavirus outbreak emerged out of Wuhan province in China towards the end of 2019, few expected its impact to be reverberating almost a year later. What’s more, it is likely that 2021 will be equally defined by what is now a full-flung global pandemic. The above words are spoken by David Morgan, Director at Auckland-based architecture and spatial design specialist CPRW. A well-seasoned and well-travelled industry professional, Morgan is better placed than most to comment on the ins and outs of the building scene in his home country, New Zealand being praised for its decisive and effective containment of the COVID-19 virus. However, such action brought with it inevitable consequences and the construction sector was not immune to the impact of a nationwide lockdown of services deemed non-essential. “Prior to COVID, the construction and infrastructure sector in New Zealand was estimated to represent somewhere in the region of NZD$50 billion per…
Total Solar Distributed Generation
Leading the Solar Charge Total Solar Distributed Generation has doubled capital investment and ramped up revenues 30 times over the past 18 months, its economical and ecological off-grid power alternative proving a hit in many Asian commercial markets Writer: Tom Wadlow | Project Manager: David Knott It is safe to say that 2020 has been far from a straightforward year. From raging forest fires in Australia to the COVID-19 outbreak which has swept its way across the world, you could be forgiven for craving a return to some form of ‘normal’, a word which is being redefined on what feels like a monthly or even weekly basis. For businesses in all industries, the safe haven of certainty has been wiped away in recent times. National and regional lockdowns, shifts in mindsets towards remote working and sudden changes in consumer behaviour have forced organisations to adapt in order to survive, the impact of the pandemic already having devastating impacts on revenues. When Gavin Adda last spoke to APAC Outlook (then Asia Outlook) in March 2019, Total Solar Distributed Generation (DG) was poised to enter a phase of momentous expansion in Southeast Asia. “We were braced for the worst regarding coronavirus but, thankfully, we’ve continued on our growth journey in a way that has exceeded my expectations,” he says. “What we’ve found is that customers are choosing to accelerate their adoption of renewables. They may not be able to do anything in terms of the coronavirus situation, so perhaps they are asking themselves what CAN they do – installing our off-grid solar will provide crucial…
Butra HeidelbergCement
Building BruneiEver since arriving in the country in 1996, Butra HeidelbergCement has played a critical role in developing infrastructure across Brunei, its high-quality cement products ensuring it is built on firm foundations Writer: Tom Wadlow | Project Manager: Josh Mann Brunei – a tiny Sultanate nestled on the northern coast of Borneo, this southeast Asian nation is something of a scenic and economic gem. The quiet Darussalam, Arabic for abode of peace, has managed to preserve its beautiful wilderness with the country’s government embarking on ambitious plans to diversify its economy away from overreliance on hydrocarbon exports. Its population is highly educated and benefits from excellent infrastructure, made possible by a well-developed and well-supplied construction sector, an industry which has welcomed enormous investment from multinational firms such as HeidelbergCement. Indeed, the German building materials giant has been a keen investor in Brunei since it set up Butra HeidelbergCement (BHC) in 1996. Since 2012, the organisation has been led by Managing Director Marcelino Ugarte, an industry veteran with two decades of experience under his belt, and who has come to fall in love with the country. “For the past 20 years, I have managed in a few countries across Asia,” he says. “The opportunity came in 2012 for a new challenge to manage the sole cement manufacturer in the Sultanate, and I must say the experience has been rewarding so far. “Brunei Darussalam is a small and beautiful country with a rich heritage and culture. It is a privilege to be managing BHC with my talented team.” Today, the company operates a plant which, albeit…
Redpath Australia
Maintaining Momentum Redpath Australia continues to secure work despite the onset of COVID-19 in 2020, its global standing and reputation as a go-to contractor for large, complex projects providing peace of mind for clients Writer: Tom Wadlow | Project Manager: Thomas Arnold When silver and lead became the first metals to be mined in Australia in the early 1840s, little did the industrialists at Glen Osmond know that they were about to kickstart an industry that would one day be responsible for 70 percent of the nation’s exported goods. Sat on the outskirts of Adelaide, the discoveries at Glen Osmond triggered a wave of mining operations in South Australia, the 1850s gold rush quickly placing Australia on the global mining map. Fast-forward to today, and mining still stands as one of the country’s sturdiest economic backbones. This financial year, the mining and resources industry is poised to generate a record $264 billion in exports and represent more than eight percent of the Australian economy. Staggeringly, since 2005 the sector has invested around $720 billion in the country, accounting for more than 40 percent of total investment over this period, in no small part thanks to sustained activity driven by multinational mining players. Underground mining services contractor Redpath is one such global operator. Its operations in Australia are headed up by Managing Director and Queenslander Gavin Ramage, a decade-long servant of the company who was lured to the company because of its stellar reputation around the world. “Like many mining engineers, I have picked up experience at a number of mining companies through the years, both on…
Airports Vanuatu Limited
Paradise Pushed to the LimitAn economy reliant on tourism, the islands of Vanuatu have had to adjust to the economic downturn caused by the major obstacle facing the world in 2020 – COVID-19 Writer: Tom Wadlow | Project Manager: Ryan Gray Vanuatu, despite its remoteness off of the Australian coast, has felt the shockwaves created by the coronavirus pandemic in 2020. The volcanic archipelago nation is made of six provinces and 83 individual islands home to tropical conditions, white beaches, clear sheltered waters, and coral reefs, some of which harbour wartime US shipwrecks. It has, up to this past year, been a distant yet popular destination for holiday goers and scuba divers around the globe. With no written history pre-colonialisation the islands’ prehistory remain rather obscure. Claimed by the Spanish during the colonial era, the largest of Vanuatu’s islands was renamed Espiritu Santo; a name that has survived to this day. Yet it was much later with the coming of the Second World War that the archipelago changed drastically. Australia had already stationed forces on one of the many islands to protect the mainland from a possible Japanese invasion, and after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbour, the US made use of the archipelago to station soldiers, ships, and military planes in newly built airports as a military buffer against potential Japanese forces. One of these airports, built on Santo, remains in the present as one of the three used by Airports Vanuatu Limited (AVL), founded in 2000 as a government entity. Its other airports are based on the island of Tanna,…
Quantrics
People PoweredHaving opened its doors in the Philippines four years ago, Quantrics has become known for its empowerment of employees, a company culture that has enabled it to thrive commercially Writer: Tom Wadlow | Project Manager: Vivek Valmiki Safeguarding the wellbeing of employees has never been more important. In a year which continues to be shaped by the coronavirus pandemic, organisations across the region in all industries have invested huge amounts of time and resources into making sure their workplaces are safe for employees. In the Philippines, the welfare of people has always been top priority for Quantrics, a leading IT development (including business intelligence, web and mobile applications), shared services support and customer experience specialist. Having opened for business four years ago in Taytay, it now operates from three sites in the country, the other two being located in Naga and San Mateo, bringing the total employment count to over 4,000. Victor Loo’s remit as Vice President of Human Resources very much covers employee welfare and empowerment. “What makes Quantrics special and unique in the Philippines is our company culture,” he says proudly. “We are ‘People Powered’ and believe in the power of the individual to create a better future for our customers, our communities and ourselves. “At Quantrics, everyone’s voice matters. We are not hierarchical in any way. We embrace diversity and operate with full transparency. We are protective of this culture and operating framework because we firmly believe that our most critical asset is our people – this fact was further underscored throughout the pandemic as we made conscious decisions…
10 Design
Celebrating a Decade of Cutting-Edge Architecture10 Design has been in operation for a decade, and is fast becoming known for its culturally sensitive, innovative architectural designs Writer: Dani Redd | Project Manager: Ryan Gray As we celebrate 10 years since establishing 10 Design, it is almost difficult to believe the extent of creative design and built work that has been accomplished during this time,” muses Barry Shapiro, Managing Partner – Asia at global architecture firm 10 Design. Shapiro moved to Asia in the nineties from New York, and has since lived and worked in Jakarta, Singapore, Shanghai and Hong Kong, referring to it as one of the world’s richest and most diverse regions. He has lived and worked through three decades of rapid development, moving from a time when there was no internet or email in the office to web-based meetings that span the globe. “From a professional standpoint, the pace of development and construction in Asia is extremely rapid and fast-paced,” Shapiro explains. “Projects that take years to design, deliver and construct in the west take significantly less time in Asia. The scale of the work is also typically very large. In just the past decade with 10 Design, I have personally been involved in over 1,000,000 square metres of built projects which is extremely fulfilling.”10 years of design excellence10 Design is an international architecture and masterplanning practice with its headquarters in Hong Kong and offices in Shanghai, Edinburgh, Dubai, London, Miami and Shenzhen, which collectively employ over 200 architects and designers. Its main services include architectural planning and design,…
Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA)
Philippines ExportsSpecial economic zones provide attractive business and investment opportunities in the Philippines, increasing the competitiveness of its economy Writer: Dani Redd | Project Manager: Krisha Canlas With its increasing urbanisation, a growing middle class and a young population, the Philippines has one of the most dynamic economies in the East Asia Pacific Region. Its economic dynamism is rooted in strong consumer demand. Notably well-performing sectors include business process outsourcing, real estate, finance and insurance. Between 2010 and 2019, the country’s economy expanded at an average annual rate of 6.4 percent. Improved wages have had a significant effect on household incomes, and poverty rates declined from 23.3 percent in 2015 to 16.6 percent in 2018. Economic growth will significantly decelerate this year due to the impact of COVID-19, but is expected to rebound gradually in 2021 and 2022. This will be helped by robust domestic activity, including an increase in public investment. ----------Facts & figuresType of economy: Newly industrialisedMain products: Electronic products, garments, petroleum products, coconut oilLargest sub-sectors: Industry, services, agricultureGDP: $356.814 billionAnnual growth rate: 6.04 percent (2019)Employment rate: 94.6 (2019)----------Interview: Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) Associations play a vital role in representing the interests of their members at an industry and national level. We asked Ms Charito “Ching” B. Plaza of PEZA to find out more about the current state of industry in the Philippines and what it is doing to advance its agendas Philippine Economic Zone Authority – more commonly known as PEZA – was created in 1995 under “The Special Economic Zone Act”. This act established the legal framework to set up economic…
Mineral Technologies
Mineral MasteryAustralia’s Mineral Technologies is a go-to for mineral processing solutions, its industry-leading products deployed around the world are the result of an innovation-driven company culture Writer: Tom Wadlow | Project Manager: Thomas Arnold The world economy in general is in a tough place with the full impact of COVID-19 still to be realised, and Australia is not exempt by any means as it heads into a recession. Compounded by a poor manufacturing competitiveness index, it is tough to compete against the world’s larger manufacturing countries.” You’d be forgiven for thinking that Alex De Andrade was casting a pessimistic light on Australia’s current industrial prospects. Orator of these opening words, the General Manager of Mineral Technologies (MT) is actually something of a stout optimist, despite the obvious challenges that have been exacerbated throughout the course of 2020 by the coronavirus pandemic. Indeed, for De Andrade and MT, what recent months have amplified is the reward to be reaped from innovating and thinking differently. “A declining manufacturing sector coupled with a slowing COVID affected economy requires companies to focus on improving efficiencies and developing high quality products and services – and these challenges make it a very exciting space to be working in,” he continues. “High value niche products and specialised services require innovation and advanced skills, and this is an area in which Australia has real capability and opportunity. “Government, businesses and the private sector need to collectively invest in technology, developing key skills and continuous improvement to drive Australia’s competitive advantage and to create the jobs and manufacturing technologies of the…
Min Dhama Steel Structures (MDSS)
Strong and Structured GrowthHow Min Dhama Steel Structures is providing support to infrastructure projects in Myanmar and beyond with its fabricated steel structures Writer: Dani Redd | Project Manager: Ryan Gray Myanmar is a country steeped in tradition, known for its golden stupas and ancient pagodas. But it is also a country that is modernising rapidly; working to develop vital transport, telecoms, energy and building infrastructure in hopes of boosting its economy. According to a 2018 study by McKinsey, the construction industry employs approximately 500,000 people in Myanmar, a figure that has increased fourfold since 2010. In 2018, the construction industry was valued at $9.5 billion. This is a share of around 16.5 percent of the country’s GDP and a major economic driver. Furthermore, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) estimates the infrastructure gap between now and 2030 to be worth $120 billion. It is therefore easy to see why steel is of vital importance to the country. One company that is pioneering in this growing market is Min Dhama Steel Structures Co. Ltd. (MDSS) – a firm with the aim of supporting rapidly growing infrastructure development in Myanmar, with additional production capacity to meet structural steel requirements on the wider Asian market. Dr Michael King has been with MDSS as Vice President – International Business since 2018. A Malaysian citizen of mixed parentage, he spent a decade in Japan studying for a degree in Civil Engineering, followed by a master’s degree and a PhD from Kobe University. He initially pursued a career in the construction industry in Malaysia, before moving overseas and…
Mesiniaga Berhad
Helping Customers SucceedMesiniaga Berhad has been a mainstay in Malaysia’s technological story – the company has been providing best-in-class IT products and services since it was established in 1981 Writer: Tom Wadlow | Project Manager: Vivek Valmiki Malaysia’s IT sector is no small contributor to the nation’s economy. According to a Gartner estimate, spending on technology products and services reached $15.5 billion in 2019, an increase of 4.6 percent on 2018 which is well above the global average (3.2 percent). Malaysia’s National Industry 4.0 Policy is the country’s action plan for catalysing the adoption of emerging technologies to increase productivity and competitiveness across industry sectors, the vision being to elevate the country to a primary destination for high-technology industries. A constant throughout the nation’s recent technological rise has been Mesiniaga Berhad. “Mesiniaga was established on December 17, 1981 at a time when the country’s IT industry was still in its infancy,” explains Datuk Wan Mohamed Fusil, the firm’s current CEO. “The establishment was in response to the government’s aspiration to increase local participation in the technology industry.” Fusil explains that a plan was developed to cultivate local entrepreneurial talent and involved utilising a pool of readily available talents in IBM, and incorporating a company that would serve as IBM’s sole dealer and agent in Malaysia. “The team was headed by the late Ismail Sulaiman, who was formerly the General Manager of IBM Malaysia,” he continues. “With a team of 50 ex-IBM personnel, Mesiniaga became fully operational on January 1, 1982 with a paid-up capital of RM500,000 ($120,000). “Since then, Mesiniaga has been in the technology…
MARUHAN Japan Bank Lao
MARUHAN Japan Bank Lao is bringing all of its global expertise, resources and innovation to better serve its customers, who form the lifeblood of the nation’s economy.
M R Dayal Group
A Friend of FijiThe M R Dayal Group has been a pillar of Fijian industry and social contribution for more than 80 years, the most recent venture into steel milling providing yet more opportunities for growth Writer: Tom Wadlow | Project Manager: Joshua Mann For any organisation, reaching an 80th anniversary is no small achievement. In Fiji, the M R Dayal Group is celebrating this landmark, testament to its standing as a reliable, successful and caring corporate citizen which has supported industry and socioeconomic development across the country. The group is something of a family dynasty, a source of immense pride for current Executive Director Jay Dayal, who is also Managing Director of the organisation’s newest venture, Dayals Steels. “The M R Dayal Group was founded by my grandfather in his early days, and now stands 80 years tall in Fiji,” he says. “The pioneer businessman, Late Ram Dayal, whose father Mahadeo Singh was an immigrant from Bihar in India in 1900, was a social entrepreneur – he was very closely attached to giving back to the community. “One of his notable contributions to his local area, Ba, was the supply of free water through pipes to over 300 residents when the government of Fiji was not able to provide facilities in those early days. With many charitable deeds, the family has earned a strong reputation and goodwill in Fiji and abroad, especially amongst those Fijian migrants settled overseas – everyone knows the Dayal family of Ba.” Today the group consists of three subsidiaries – Dayals Quarries, Dayals Sawmillers and Dayals Steels…
JERDE
Pioneering PlacemakingJERDE continues to inspire places that deliver memorable experiences to people all around the world, the firm’s Asia Pacific portfolio looking especially vibrant despite the challenges brought about by COVID-19 Writer: Tom Wadlow | Project Manager: Ryan Gray Every year, more than a billion people visit places designed by JERDE. An international urban design studio established in Los Angeles four decades ago, today the firm stands as a true pioneer of placemaking, its portfolio containing 140 major built projects spread across six continents. These include mixed-use, hospitality, and retail destinations throughout the world, such as Langham Place in Hong Kong, Roppongi Hills in Tokyo, D-Cube City in Seoul, and more recently the Grand Hyatt Resort Haitang Bay in Hainan, China, a MIPIM Asia Gold Award winner for Best Hotel & Tourism Development in 2018. In Queensland, Australia, the company has master-planned the largest and most important urban regeneration project – Queens Wharf Brisbane, a half-kilometre long stretch connecting the central business district to Brisbane River. And now, the firm is fully up and running in Singapore. Opening a new office at the end of 2019, the ensuing months have seen JERDE establish new partnerships and pioneer new developments not only in its new regional home, but also in Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines and other neighbouring countries. Design Principal and Shareholder Ken Ho recently transferred to Singapore from JERDE’s Los Angeles headquarters, and will be supported by the Singapore design studio and rest of the LA and Asia JERDE teams on new design concepts for complex and innovative projects. “It is exciting…
Ionics EMS
Electronics Solutions Made Smart The Philippines’ electronics industry is globally renowned, but Ionics EMS is ahead of the curve when it comes to technological innovation and smart solutions Writer: Dani Redd | Project Manager: Kyle Livingstone The electronics industry is one of the biggest economic growth drivers in the Philippines. Comprised of semiconductor manufacturing services (73 percent) and electronics manufacturing service firms (27 percent), the sector accounted for 61.3 percent of the Philippines’ total exports in 2019 – a massive $32.22 billion. But what explains this success? For a start, there are several globally renowned multinational and Filipino firms based within the country, which are able to choose from a competitive talent pool of technologically adept employees. Many firms are also making substantial investments into R&D. “In recent years, the industry has been transitioning to newer technologies and methods. Companies are reinventing themselves and are getting more and more into digitalisation, smart manufacturing, machine learning and artificial intelligence. It is exciting to be part of the industry as it is fast-paced and always innovating,” explains Jay Chavez, COO of Ionics EMS. Ionics EMS is also continually transforming. Initially founded as a semiconductor and hybrid assembly company in 1974, today it offers unique vertical EMS solutions for the telecommunication, industrial, medical and consumer electronic sectors, among many others. Standing out in a competitive sector In its current incarnation, Ionics EMS is a one-stop manufacturing services provider with 2,500 employees, serving clients from the US, European Union, Asia Pacific…
Express Food Group (EFG)
A Passion for Good FoodEFG Group is helping bring people across Cambodia, Myanmar and Laos together through its internationally renowned food and beverage offerings Writer: Dani Redd | Project Manager: Donovan Smith There is no sincerer love than the love of food, Irish playwright George Bernard Shaw was once quoted as saying. Food isn’t just about nutrition; it’s also a way of celebrating cultural identity and bringing people together. Making memories through food is something that Martin Darby, Managing Director of Express Food Group (EFG), has long been passionate about. “Dine-in has been the bedrock of the local F&B industry and with many local festivals and the important position of family, we see the dining experience continuing to grow and evolve, especially in our provincial cities,” he says. Martin joined EFG in 2019 after an illustrious career in the industry, in the belief that the company is perfectly positioned to become one of the top F&B operators in Asia.His optimism is easy to explain. EFG employs over 1,500 people and has a strong operational presence in Cambodia, Myanmar and Laos. It is a partner of choice for leading brands in Southeast Asia – including several owned by Minor Food and Food Passion Group – as well as internationally known brands from the US, like Dairy Queen International and Krispy Kreme. “We see our mission as understanding our customer needs and bringing them a portfolio of the best, most trusted local and international restaurant and kiosk brands,” Martin explains.The Managing Director believes that EFG is able to stand apart as a partner of choice…