Issue 22
Rahimafrooz Group
Recharging the Power Storage Industry Writer: Emily Jarvis Project Manager: Tom Cullum Growing in size, scale and diversity in terms of its core solutions and services over the past 60 years, Rahimafrooz Group has leveraged the latest industry trends and commercially-proven technology to continue growing its export reach and presence across a multitude of energy markets. Pioneers of not only automotive and industrial battery production in Bangladesh, the Group also introduced solar-powered home systems for the rural community for the first time in the 1980s. As the third largest battery maker on the Indian subcontinent today, the Group now proudly operates 12 companies, a not-for-profit social enterprise and several other ventures that build-on the Company’s key pillars of sustainability, trust and reliability. “Rahimafrooz is Bangladesh’s largest and longest-standing battery manufacturer. The Company also has one of the largest export plants in South Asia, with a presence in more than 60 export destinations. As the payoff line of our flagship brand, GLOBATT – ‘The Drive Within’ – illustrates, the battery is winning hearts and minds of the consumers around the globe through its unparalleled performance,” explains Faraaz Rahim, Head of Business Development. Producing and marketing batteries primarily for automotive, telecommunication, solar, backup power, electric vehicle, power station, railway, forklift, golf cart, marine and motorcycle applications, Rahimafrooz has to keep up to date with industry changes to retain its leading market position for the decades to come. “The power storage industry is changing very quickly,” Rahim adds. “From traditional lead acid batteries to sealed maintenance free technology, AGM to…
Ecotex Pte Ltd
Developing Sustainable Technologies for the FutureWriter: Emily JarvisProject Manager: Kane Weller Working in some of the world’s fastest growing economies across South Asia, EcoTex has spent more than a decade tackling the high levels of water pollution in the textiles and tannery industry by providing sustainable solutions to wastewater management. Now in its 11th year of operation – since formation as a joint venture Company between Eco Water Singapore, a listed company on the Singapore Stock Exchange, and United Texmac Ltd, an international manufacturer of textile machinery – EcoTex has been able to apply its expertise to other commercial spheres that would benefit from proper wastewater recycling.“The two companies came together to tackle the high level of pollution in the textiles industry, specifically the recycling of effluent wastewater through a zero-liquid discharge (ZLD) treatment process; where all wastewater is purified and recycled,” recalls Ravi Shankar Vaidya, Executive Director. “Over the years, United Texmac bought-out Eco Water’s shares and EcoTex became a private Company.”Having built a solid reputation working with some of the region’s biggest textile companies – comprising the likes of Bombay Rayon Fashion Ltd, Multifabs Ltd, Sadirlar Textiles, Echotex, Maxim Textiles and more – EcoTex has benefitted from organic geographic expansion; having completed projects in more than eight countries to date.“Every business uses water, which makes each and every one an important customer for us. Moreover, regulations are constantly changing to encompass better wastewater management, resulting in huge demand from the world’s governments who are putting increased pressure on businesses to comply with these high standards in water usage,”…
Telenor Myanmar
Affordable, Simple, AvailableWriter: Emily JarvisProject Manager: Donovan SmithMyanmar’s telecoms sector has seen drastic change in the past three-five years, mirroring the rapid growth of leapfrog technologies across the world’s emerging economies; but at a notably accelerated pace. Driven by this unexpectedly high demand for mobile data services and network coverage, Norwegian-based telco, Telenor was keen to capitalise on Myanmar’s burgeoning telecommunications sector with a strategy to enrich the daily lives of people across the country. “Telenor Myanmar was selected as a recipient for one of two licences awarded in early 2013. We are very proud to have received the licence out of the 91 companies to apply. This was thanks to our strategy which is focused on four pillars; building a technically-advanced and extensive mobile network, driving significant growth and affordable services, providing an excellent customer experience and service, and becoming a market leader in the country,” explains Petter Furberg, Chief Executive Officer, Telenor Myanmar.Preparing the vital infrastructure needed to modernise Myanmar’s existing telecommunications in July, 2013, Telenor’s investments continue to create long-term value for all its stakeholders and society. The network was successfully launched in late September, 2014 and, having achieved more than 16 million customers so far, the Company is now seeing the fruits of its investments.“This is due to a number of factors, including Myanmar’s status as an emerging economic force in the region,” says Furberg. “Myanmar was a one-operator country prior to our entry and the price of smartphones, as well as the high-cost of data and SIM cards were pricing a lot of people…
Pacific Development Contractors Ltd
Developing Papua New GuineaWriter: Matthew StaffProject Manager: Eddie Clinton For nearly 20 years, Pacific Development Contractors Ltd (PDC) has demonstrated its acumen in handling a comprehensive range of construction services with seamless efficiency across its six operational departments in Papua New Guinea (PNG), honing each division to facilitate a contract portfolio that continues to go from strength to strength.Specialising in earthworks, civil construction, building construction, shipping, timber products and downstream processing, timber sales, hydrocarbon recycling, helicopter and fixed wing aviation, and much more within its extensive remit, the subsequent sectors catered for by PDC has similarly diversified and expanded over the decades and, with a solid reputation now established in the region, the Company’s market standing stands it in perfect stead for the next stages of its evolution.“One of our biggest advantages is our ability to mobilise and demobilise quickly and efficiently to and from any project site. The aviation and shipping department enables PDC to provide all products and services even in the most remote and inaccessible areas,” explains PDC’s Managing Director (MD), David Holmes. “We pride ourselves on providing flexible solutions to all customer needs and project requirements, never compromising on the quality of our product and services.” Esteemed customers including the likes of Asia Development Bank, AusAID, World Bank, New Britain Palm Oil, Puma Energy, Airniugini, Hargy Oil Palms and both National and Provincial Government agencies throughout Papua New Guinea have all benefited from this commitment to carrying out bespoke and complex developments, and this solid customer base has proved to be a bedrock for the projects…
Wild Cat Developments Ltd
PNG’s Preferred PartnerWriter: Matthew StaffProject Manager: Tom Cullum Wild Cat Developments Ltd (WCD) has grown from humble beginnings to become a major force in the oil-heli-rig construction and complementary mining, oil & gas, and civil engineering sectors over the past 30 years, and is now looking to leverage its comprehensive knowledge of the volatile Papua New Guinea (PNG) terrain to achieve even more concerted Company growth in the future.Based in Mendi, Southern Highlands Province, since inception; the Company previously operating as Carson Pratt Services Ltd has thrived under its current guise since its acquisition – along with subsidiary, South West Air Ltd – by the Remington Group of Companies in 2013. Subsequently evolving from beginnings in hydrometric survey work, both Wild Cat and South West Air – established to support the Wild Cat business with fixed and rotary wing aircraft operations – have become a one-stop shop in the PNG domain, with flexibility and bespoke capabilities perfectly befitting of the country’s niche requirements.All-told, the Company’s service remit now comprises the full range of construction and engineering assets to apply to a number of key industrial sectors in the country including road, bridge and airport construction; design and construct services; remote petroleum exploration rig site development; construction and exploration camp installation and operation; and remote area aviation operations via South West Air.Project investigation, feasibility, and design service facilitation add further strings to the Wild Cat bow in catering for project requirements from start to finish and, in sharing 36 years of experience in the construction industry, Chief Executive Officer (CEO),…
Pan Asia Logistics
Uncompromising QualityWriter: Matthew StaffProject Manager: James Mitchell Pan Asia Logistics’ role as one of the world’s leading holistic industry providers has long been compounded through the levels of innovation and continuous improvement displayed in the Asia-Pacific region, but recent developments across both internal and external expansions further emphasise the commitment that the Company has to the growth of not just its own business, but those of its key customers.Combining high levels of German efficiency with an Asian commitment to delivering unparalleled standards of logistics services, the Company’s motto of ‘the pursuit of growth only if service quality remains uncompromised’ has led to relationships being formed with some of the most renowned international organisations; and via a series of recent innovations, Pan Asia Logistics is confident of creating the next generation of global transportation and logistics solutions.“Our unique selling proposition and what distinguishes Pan Asia Logistics in the market is the understanding of our clients’ needs and requirements,” adds the Company’s Executive Chairman, Christian Bischoff. “Logistics customers are interested to establish well-designed and efficient warehouse options within the region of Asia. We take advantage of warehouse development experience in Pan Asia Logistics Investments, our Group’s property development subsidiary. The real estate development arm offers a full range of services that handles all phases of industrial real estate development revolving around planning, investing, designing, building, owning, and operating real estate assets.”Specialising in built-to-suit logistics and logistic-related properties, the Company’s customisable and flexible portfolio is capable of being tailored for any new or prospective client; thus bringing longevity and sustainability to the…
MIFB Generates more than 1,000 Business Matches
MIFB 2016 ended on a very successful note at the end of July, with exhibitors, sponsors, government agencies and associations from around the world relishing the networking opportunity.“We are delighted to report the exhibition grew both in terms of exhibitors participating as well as geographical locations from where they originated. MIFB 2016 featured 494 companies from 40 nations, which contributed to a 35 percent increase compared to 2015,” said organisers.This year marked the second year where the MIFB exhibition saw a remarkable trade turnout of 18,043 from 58 nations, translating to an 18.6 percent increase from the previous show.A total of 110 international and local buyers make up those who attended and helped host the event; including the likes of Aiking Trading, Excel Foods, Garming Marine Products (Sunwah Group), Pegasus Import, Pulmentum, Safco International, Siam Makro, AEON Big, Berjaya Hotels & Resorts, Concorde Hotel, Fraser & Neave Holding, Lulu Retail Group, Sunway Berhad and many more. “Through our specially designed Business Matching Platform and our cohesive programme, we managed to generate 1,043 matches/meetings. Our hosted buyers were very happy and reported that they found the exhibition to be a very good sourcing ground. Through their response and reports we foresee purchasing taking place with an estimated amount of at least US$360 million,” organisers reported.A host of new, targeted and focused promotional and marketing activities was implemented in order to get the right stakeholders into the exhibition. “We are pleased to report that we have achieved the objective which was set and also assure that this will not stop us from doubling the effort in…
Retail Congress Asia Pacific
Retail Congress Asia Pacific delivers fresh, usable insights and predictions into the dynamic Asian retail landscape. On 12-13 October, 2016 leading retail experts will unite and share their knowledge of this ever-changing industry.The theme for this year’s Congress is ‘The evolution of retail in Asia-Pacific: innovation and disruption’. It brings together all of the key issues facing retailers across this large and vitally important region. Senior retailers have expressed how they are grappling with the challenges of tough economic conditions and a growing acceptance by consumers to move online.As in most other parts of the global retail industry, businesses are having to adjust to the same forces shaping consumer behaviour. However in Asia, the scale and speed of mobile adoption and use of social media are unprecedented.Over two days, we will hear from some outstanding regional and international retail leaders as well as senior executives from leading corporations who are helping to reshape the industry. Completing the line-up are economic experts and a selection of exciting new, disruptive businesses captivating the next generation of shoppers.Confirmed speakers to date include executives from Alibaba, Google, Carrefour, Lazada, IKEA, Robinsons, LVMH, Zalora and NTUC Fairprice Co-operative, Nike and Love, Bonito.The speakers will try to pinpoint the strategies needed to stay successful in this complex industry. They will consider where the opportunities are for growth and investment to provide a clearer idea of the direction Asia-Pacific’s retail market is heading.Located in Malaysia’s retail and fashion hub, Kuala Lumpur, the Congress will equip you with the knowledge of how to captivate…
Concrete Asia Held in Thailand for the First Time
Concrete Asia 2016 is an international exhibition and conference for concrete and building construction professionals with a focus on the industry’s latest technologies and techniques. Held alongside Asian Construction Week, from 21-23 September, 2016, more than 25,000 square metres of the newest innovative products will be showcased. Reaching out to the 600 million population in ASEAN; the event provides an opportunity to meet manufacturers and suppliers, increase sales and ROI, as well as create awareness for your brand; thus tapping into new opportunities in this growing market.The event will cover the latest topics in concrete technology and techniques, decorative concrete, material handling, concrete production, cement, construction equipment, machinery and more.Key event happenings include The ASIAN Concrete Conference 2016, Tunnelling Practice in Asia Conference, and several other seminars on trending topics by renowned speakers.A first in Thailand, outdoor demonstrations depicting how polished concrete is manufactured will be on display for the concrete decoration industry. Concrete batching plants will also be on the show floor.The ASEAN region on its own is a trillion-dollar economy with growth expected to reach US$4 trillion in 2020 and is the perfect market for the concrete industry.Renowned Thai and international industry speakers will converge to update members of the local and regional concrete construction industry on relevant industry topics such as Tunnelling & Concrete Technology.These are the efforts that will reshape Thailand’s infrastructure, as more than 450 exhibitors and brands and thousands of trade professionals from across the region meet to discuss industrial trends and network. A hosted VIP buyer programme reaches out to…
Efacec Singapore Announces Project Completions on Three Fronts
Efacec Singapore has announced the completion of three milestone projects in Singapore. Spanning a variety of industries and applications – namely oil & gas, and the education and logistics sectors – these projects comprise new installations and an upgrade of a 15-year old warehouse facility, which saw Efacec implement a series of automated logistical technologies; including its automatic storage and retrieval system (ASRS), finished goods transport system and rail guided vehicles (RGV).Since its entry into the Asia-Pacific region, Efacec has demonstrated that versatility is one of its strengths, through customising its warehousing solutions to support manufacturers from a variety of vertical markets. Pedro Furtado, Projects Director at Efacec elaborated: “Efacec’s ability to cater to the needs of different industries further validates our position as a leading supplier of automated material handling solutions in Asia. As manufacturers’ logistical needs become increasingly complex, we’ve kept pace by ensuring that we exceed the industry’s expectations, so as to meet even the most demanding material handling challenges. We’ll continue to build on our strengths to contribute to the warehousing success of our clients.”He concluded, “In each of the three projects, Efacec was able to meet the different requirements of each client. Across the board, we observe that Efacec’s Made-In-Europe material handling technologies gives our clients the assurance that Efacec can effectively meet their warehousing needs. Regardless of project scale, Efacec is wholly committed to providing targeted solutions to support our clients in their warehouse operations, and we will continue to do so as we expand our business in Asia.”
Opportunity in the Making
With India’s manufacturing sector now contributing an impressive 16 percent towards the country’s GDP, Prime Minister, Narendra Modi has made a promising start to the Make in India initiative, and is on-track to achieve the ambitious long-term target that will see the country’s manufacturing output contribute 25 percent – or US$1 trillion – to the GDP by 2025.Implemented in September, 2014, the initiative outlined by Modi will foster greater multinational as well as domestic cooperation in order to boost the country’s reputation as a manufacturing hub across 25 key subsectors. Moreover, this big Governmental push has placed concerted focus on the environment, boosting job creation, fostering innovation, enhancing skills development and protecting intellectual property rights in a bid to subvert the traditional perception of the Government as a regulator rather than a facilitator. Placing emphasis on sustainability and the environment is another pillar of this initiative that is helping to draw all eyes towards India, with the phrase “zero defect, zero effect” having come to be associated with Make in India.In applying this honest and transparent approach to business, the country already received an overwhelming response from international investors during Make in India Week held earlier this year in Mumbai. The event closed its doors having achieved US$222 billion worth of investment commitments; with global giants such as GE, Siemens, HTC, Xiaomi, Toshiba, Coca-Cola Beverages, Pepsi, IKEA, Airbus, and Boeing having either set-up or in the process of setting up manufacturing facilities in India.Attracted by India’s market of more than a billion consumers and increasing purchasing power,…