1-Group, Singapore’s leading purveyor of lifestyle-hospitality concepts, recently inked the deal for a new partnership with Hatten, one of Malaysia’s top property developers specialising in integrated commercial, residential and hospitality projects. In a ceremony graced by the Chief Minister of Melaka, Yang Amat Berhormat Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh, the pair entered a joint venture to bring 1-Altitude Melaka – a fully integrated lifestyle destination that is set to launch in stages throughout Q3 and Q4 of 2023.
Comprising seven world-class restaurant, bar, café and club concepts, a viewing gallery; and a co-working space, 1-Altitude Melaka sits atop the highest point in Melaka (Hatten City), boasting unmatched views of the UNESCO-listed Jonker Heritage district, the Portuguese village and the Melaka Straits. The project marks 1-Group’s first foray overseas; as hospitality trailblazers with a track record of conceptualising progressive, iconic venues across Singapore, 1-Group will export a collection of their homegrown Singaporean concepts to one of the most iconic locations in Asia.
Their signature flair will combine with specially curated touches, developed together with local artisans and craftsmen, to create the leading integrated lifestyle destination in Melaka. Hatten, 1-Group’s partner for 1-Altitude Melaka, is an award-winning real estate conglomerate comprising an ecosystem of hotels, malls and residences. Much like 1-Group, Hatten is committed to creating trend-setting, high-quality concepts that ultimately enrich lives and communities.
Mr Joseph Ong, Managing Director of 1-Group, said: “1-Group’s ethos is centred on creating unforgettable hospitality experiences in iconic destinations. Melaka feels like a natural destination for our first project outside of Singapore; attracting swathes of domestic and international tourists each year and boasting an incredible food scene, the city is primed to welcome a one-stop hospitality and entertainment destination.”
“By combining the expertise and strengths of both Hatten and 1-Group, we aim to elevate luxury dining with unparalleled, immersive customer experiences that captivate senses at 1-Altitude Melaka,” stated Dato’ Colin Tan, Executive Chairman and Managing Director of Hatten.
Spanning 5 stories across 100,000 square feet, 1-Altitude Melaka’s slew of concepts will open in phases between July and December 2023. Wildseed Café and Bistro, which spans two levels from level 43 to the rooftop courtyard, brims with floral touches and will present IG-worthy F&B offerings that appeal to café hoppers, will be the first venue to open its doors in July 2023. Warm and welcoming, the concept offers a hearty all-day selection of brunch items – think freshly baked cakes and luscious pastries, signature pasta and pizzas to hearty grills in the evening. Regular collaborations with local artists and florists will contribute to a creative and inclusive atmosphere.
Wildseed Café will be followed by two award-winning dining concepts. Contemporary Italian fine diner MONTI will offer detailed-oriented, authentic Italian fare, created by a team of culinary maestros, and industry-forward cocktails; while FLNT, a sky-high social spot will deliver an authentic fusion of Japanese-Peruvian cuisine. Here, a plethora of sharing plates is prepared with immaculate precision over a Binchotan-fueled Sumiyaki grill.
Night owls will revel at the 1-Altitude Apex Bar, set to become Malaysia’s most iconic rooftop bar. With dynamic weekly programming, craft cocktails on tap, and incredible sunset views across the Melaka Straits, the vibe of the bar will iterate throughout the evening, the tempo turning up as the sun goes down. Leading the progression of Southeast Asian Beach club culture, 1-Altitude Coast is a duo-concept destination comprising 1-Altitude Coast Day Club and Nightclub. With themed club nights offering a stellar lineup of music and entertainment, the adults-exclusive beach club will boast the highest rooftop pool in Melaka, sitting 195m above sea level. An as-yet-unnamed contemporary Chinese restaurant and speakeasy bar will complete the lineup of 1- Altitude Melaka.
A statement destination for weddings, events and celebrations, 1-Host brings over a decade of “hosting great memories” to 1-Altitude Melaka. Renowned for its signature events and venues, the HOST team of experienced event planners has successfully organised more than 2000 weddings, private parties and corporate events that leave lasting impressions.
Satoshi Konagai, Leader of LIXIL Water Technologies in the APAC region, shares insights regarding LIXIL’s strategic approach to delivering diverse yet consumer-centric designs that captivate while paving the way for future innovation.
The Asia Pacific region holds significant importance in the realm of water technology, especially in post-pandemic times when hygiene and cleanliness at home are increasingly valued. LIXIL, a leading company in this sector, recognises the region’s demand for innovative bathroom and kitchen solutions that fill various needs. Here’s how the brand is spearheading the development of its water technology business in the Asian Pacific region by focusing on delivering high-quality products that are not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing. Discover how LIXIL’s unwavering focus drives its design prowess and fuels a transformative wave in the world of water technology.
Q: What is the role of LIXIL’s water technology business in the company’s overall mission, and why is the Asia Pacific region significant to this?
A: LIXIL is a purpose-driven company that is committed to making better homes a reality for everyone, everywhere. We make pioneering water and housing products and solutions that solve everyday, real-life challenges that touch the lives of over one billion people across the world. Our water technology business makes up about 60 percent of LIXIL’s nearly US$12 billion global revenue. Consumers trust in our brands and solutions to create better homes, bathrooms and kitchens. Through our focus on consumer-centric design, quality and innovation, we have developed numerous industry-leading products and technologies that deliver an exceptional consumer experience with superior hygiene and comfort.
Q: How important is the APAC region to LIXIL’s water technology business, and what unique challenges and opportunities does it present?
A: LIXIL has a presence across the Asia Pacific region, which is an important market for us. The solid regional fundamentals with thriving economies, growing consumer spending and rapid urbanisation is driving demand for bathroom and kitchen solutions that suit local preferences and lifestyles. LIXIL meets these diverse consumer needs through a multi-brand, multi-category portfolio approach with our power brands, American Standard, GROHE and INAX.
For example, our American Standard brand appeals to first-time homeowners, young families and growing households looking for dependable, well-designed products. With complete bathroom solutions in modern aesthetics, our designer and architect business partners can plan in confidence for their projects.
On the other hand, we note a growing trend for personal wellness – physical and mental –which has become much more important after the pandemic. Consumers are increasingly looking to transform their bathrooms from a functional area into relaxation or wellness spaces, where they can retreat to relax, rejuvenate or recharge from their busy lives.
To meet this need, we have developed the GROHE SPA sub-brand, as a premium solution that transforms the bathroom into an oasis of well-being. With modular configurations and personalised shower settings, GROHE SPA offers consumers unique flexibility and freedom to create their own showering experience. This new water experience encompasses all the senses: from calming sounds with different water volumes and spray types, to visual beauty with carefully selected colours and finishes, providing unique tactile experiences with different materials, activating their sense of smell with relaxing and healing scents of essential oils.
By engaging all five senses, GROHE SPA products promote holistic well-being and enable consumers to create their own personalised home oasis for relaxation and rejuvenation. We plan to officially launch GROHE SPA in the region towards end-2023.
Q: How has the COVID-19 pandemic impacted the demand for water technology products and services in APAC? How is LIXIL adapting to meet these changing needs?
A: The pandemic has had a mixed impact on the demand for bathroom and kitchen products and services in the Asia Pacific region. While the pandemic has led to a temporary slowdown in some sectors, such as property development and hospitality, it has also led to an increased demand for products that prioritise hygiene and safety at critical touchpoints in the home, office and in public.
LIXIL has responded by developing new products and technologies that focus on hygiene and safety such as touchless faucets and soap dispensers, as well as smart toilets with automatic cleaning, disinfection functions and anti-bacterial technologies.
For example, to ensure hygiene and sanitation in public places, our American Standard HygieneCleanTM system includes innovations such Double VortexTM flushing design for efficient flushing while conserving water, Aqua CeramicTM anti-stain technology and ComfortCleanTM antibacterial technology.
Q: Can you discuss any new products or technologies that LIXIL is currently developing or plans to release in the near future?
A: In our consumer-centric observation and research, we note that the bathroom and kitchen industry in the region is recovering, driven not only by economic recovery but also by consumer needs, which are shifting along three macro trends:
The first trend is around health and well-being, where consumers are spending more time at home. More attention to physical and mental health and well-being. They increasingly view the bathroom as a spa or wellness area. Secondly, sustainability has become a key word for our industry, especially for the hospitality segment. Consumers are demanding brands and products that help the planet without compromising the customer experience. Finally, we observe that rapid urbanisation is placing pressure on transforming the one-function room into a multi-functional living space. This creates an urgent need to reimagine and plan innovative solutions for better homes.
These macro trends are influencing consumers to seek out fittings and fixtures that act as smart, intuitive helpers that simplify everyday routines – as the borders of the bathroom and bedroom, as well as the kitchen and living room, are dissolving. We have the responsibility to offer bathroom solutions with our industry partners that address these macro trends that influence consumer needs and contribute to improving property value.
In addition to the GROHE Spa regional launch, we also have an active pipeline of new products for 2023, including the new American Standard LOVEN collection, which is a complete bathroom solution designed with full-sized features in a compact footprint. It is very suitable for urban apartments and condominiums.
Q: How does LIXIL ensure that its products are both high-quality and affordable for APAC consumers?
A: The LIXIL brand portfolio includes American Standard, GROHE and INAX with a range of products and solutions from entry-level to luxury offerings. We strive to make our products and solutions accessible to as many consumers as possible
Drawing on our Japanese heritage, we practise the Japanese manufacturing principle of Monozukuri – this focuses on manufacturing excellence and quality. We have also invested in a global manufacturing network and a resilient supply chain, including plants located in Asia Pacific.
This setup helps us respond effectively to changes in consumer demand, provide dependable aftersales support and spare parts availability. These important investments are to provide consumers and our industry partners with the assurance of high-quality products and solutions that are durable, dependable and contribute to improving property value.
Q: How important is collaboration with others in the water technology space? How does LIXIL approach partnerships and collaborations?
A: Partnerships and collaborations are important ways for LIXIL and our partners to address industry-wide and increasingly global issues around hygiene, sanitation and clean water.
In March this year, we updated our environmental strategy that outlines how LIXIL will tackle key environmental issues – climate change mitigation and adaptation, water sustainability, and contributing to the realisation of a circular economy.
With the updated Environment Strategy, we want to reduce our CO2 targets by evaluating our total emissions, including Scope 1, 2, and 3, protect water – one of the most precious resources – and focus on circular solutions that can have a positive impact on our planet; aiming at waste reduction from our facilities, resource efficiency, circularity throughout our products along the value chain.
We see like-minded industry partners, governments and NGOs pursuing some or all of the same goals. This creates mutual understanding and fertile ground for partnerships and collaborations to happen with different stakeholders.
A recent example is where LIXIL, together with many other government organisations, manufacturers, and civil society partners such as World Health Organization and the International Water Association, founded “A Global Pledge to Protect Drinking Water from Lead” at the UN 2023 Water Conference. In this movement, LIXIL works collaboratively with our partners to protect public health and safety and reduce lead exposure from drinking water and achieve lead-free drinking water by 2040.
In addition to addressing social and environmental issues, we also collaborate with other brands to improve the design of products for our customers. GROHE SPA recently partnered with Caesarstone, a global company known for producing high-end engineered surfaces, to create faucet handles with their durable quartz designs, offering a curated range of customised options for architects and designers. The Atrio and Allure Brilliant Private Collections can be paired with Caesarstone countertops for a cohesive bathroom design.
Q: What is LIXIL’s vision for the future of water technology, and how does your team plan to stay at the forefront of innovation in this space?
A: As the three macro trends continue to impact our industry, we will need to develop new solutions backed by innovations to address issues that impact end-consumers and our industry partners. We continue to focus on being consumer-centric to better meet consumers’ diverse needs.
We consciously embed consumer-centric thinking in our research, design and manufacturing processes to meet the diverse needs of consumers across all markets. Applying this approach throughout our business creates relevant, purpose-driven products and we are excited to develop solutions that improve the quality of life and solve real-life challenges faced by consumers in their daily lives.
About Satoshi Konagai
Satoshi Konagai is the Leader for LIXIL Water Technology (LWT) Asia Pacific. He is responsible for leading, developing, and accelerating LIXIL’s water technology business across Asia Pacific, a region poised as LIXIL’s future growth engine.
Satoshi joined LIXIL in 2016 where he was instrumental in establishing Asia Regional Logistics, and developing warehouse functions to build the foundation of operations in the company. He also led end-to-end supply chain initiatives such as manufacturing relocation and synergy creation value chain development. Apart from this, he also supported the Asia CEO to drive strategic initiatives across markets.
Satoshi has skilfully unleashed synergies in LIXIL by removing structural barriers and bringing together businesses and people around a common purpose to further accelerate LIXIL’s growth. He has worked with over 200 members across regions to establish synergy functions and also streamlined operations under Monozukuri.
With over two decades of consulting and management experience in multinational organisations, Satoshi held senior positions at BOSTON CONSULTING GROUP (BCG) and UBS Securities Japan, Investment Banking Division. He has a master’s degree from IMD Business School and a bachelor’s degree from Keio University.
Completed in 2022, the Aedas-designed Chengdu Damofang project represents the future of Chengdu by utilising personalised technology and aesthetic scene creation as its design concept. In view of the rising aesthetical standard nowadays, the design combines culture and art which has created the benchmark for the urban commercial space.
Standing in the south of the city, the project is located in the Jiaozi Park Financial and Business Zone with a convenient transportation network. Adjacent to the Cultural Centre, the project site is an important hub that combines the cultural and commercial aspects of Chengdu. With a deep understanding of the market and the master plan, the project is designed to focus on spatial planning based on developing a sense of experience, ambience and trendiness. Unique scenery is designed to strengthen its commercial position and develop the blueprint for future commercial development.
‘The shopping mall is sitting adjacent to the theatre. By incorporating art and culture into commercial, the project is providing consumers with a vibrant, personalised and immersive shopping experience,’ said Aedas Global Design Principal Ken Wai. Themes, culture and wellness are logically presented and distributed throughout the interior, which has overcome the site’s constraints and blurs the boundary between the indoors and outdoors.
To effectively use the high ceiling of the sunken plaza, an enormous tree-like LED installation is placed at the North entrance. It displays customised videos and becomes a popular photo-taking spot. The outdoor natural scenery is extended into the interior space that seamlessly links the indoors and outdoors to support the transit hub. A glassed-in tropical forest chamber and the lushly decorated façade are designed to maximise both the aesthetic value and practicality, as well as to create a night-time scenery complemented by commercial activities.
The fluid void edges with lighting effects create a vibrant atmosphere for the shopping arcade. Natural lights penetrating through the ceiling deliver a bright and amicable space where people feel that they are walking in a tropical forest. A simple and elegant ambience is created by integrating various light and warm-tone colour materials. To fit in with the needs of the new generation, functional spaces are scenarised to cater to various consumer groups, such as beauty and kid-themed areas, creating a vibrant and trendy destination in Tianfu.
HERA Bathroom recently unveiled its highly anticipated Experience Center, located in Grantral Mall and Complex on Macpherson Road. The 2,800-square-foot space is a major milestone for this made-in-Singapore brand focused on compact urban spaces that have grown at a breakneck pace since its establishment in 2017. Visitors can soak in the wide range of modular bathroom solutions, conceptualised for end consumers and designers alike. Additionally, they can play at being spatial designers to create their dream bathrooms through nifty features.
At the heart of the HERA Bathroom Experience Center is an empty space that projects life-size bathroom CAD file floor plans with the click of a mouse, allowing homeowners to design their bathrooms physically. Mix and match from the extensive selection of products to create more than 1,000 combinations. These include bathtubs to waterproof vanity cabinets, mirrors, basins and taps in a wide array of colours. This immersive experience promises to reduce the stress of renovations by letting homeowners mock up their bathroom fittings and furniture to easily envision what it will look like.
Customers who have purchased Build-to-Order (BTO) HDB apartments will have it even easier. Running along the length of one side of the Experience Center are booths, two of which are built to BTO bathroom specifications. A third is sized to HDB Executive Condominium dimensions, and the fourth and last one is to a standard condominium unit. Multi-award-winning designer Cris Cheng of Etcetera Design is responsible for the design of the Experience Center. It embodies the spirit of a workshop, where concrete walls are complemented with metal racks and industrial-style track lights. In the middle is a large communal table where customers can sit and discuss the creation of their bathroom designs.
HERA Bathroom prides itself on offering modular bathroom solutions for compact urban spaces, especially BTO apartments. It is the brainchild of Singaporean entrepreneur Lew Eeling, who aspires to give modern women the opportunity to design their own private sanctuary that they can start their day in and return to after a long day. She conceived the brand after spotting a lack of bathroom amenities catered to female consumers. Undeterred by her lack of training in design, she boldly went on to conceptualise the products it carries today.
Eeling’s decision to go down this road was made on the back of her producing OEM bathroom fittings for award-winning brands across Europe and Asia, through her firm Eilumina Resources founded in 2009 in China. With direct access to manufacturing capabilities, it allows her control over the entire process, from production to logistics and on-site installation. It also means she has complete visibility over the quality of the materials used to create HERA Bathroom’s products, ensuring consistency in the high standards she imposes and offers to the markets.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Eeling took the opportunity to accelerate the business as people turned inwards and focused on turning their homes into wellness havens. In particular, she promoted her signature product, the “HDB bathtub”, a standalone tub small enough to fit into a HDB bathroom, without compromising on comfort and style. More importantly, it fulfils HDB’s conditions and does not require a permit to install. Easily set up in 30 minutes with no hacking required, it brought a piece of affordable luxury to the market, allowing HERA Bathroom to occupy its own niche in the over-saturated sanitaryware industry.
“We have come up with a creative space that democratises bathroom design. The HERA Bathroom Experience Center is the first of its kind that allows customers to be designers for a day. We encourage them to mix and match from our complete and comprehensive range of signature bathtubs and modular products. Ultimately, we want to be their partners in helping them come up with their dream bathrooms,” said Eeling.
Singapore-headquartered global design, engineering, project and construction management firm, Meinhardt Group, is pleased to announce its appointment of Mr Go Yang San as the Managing Director of Meinhardt Singapore. Mr Go will also serve as a Board Member on Meinhardt’s Global Board and act as the Regional Director for Infrastructure.
With more than 35 years of experience in the planning, design, and management of major civil, structural and infrastructure works projects in Singapore and across the region, Mr Go Yang San has been a prominent figure in the built environment industry and brings to bear a wealth of expertise to his new role. Mr Go has enjoyed an extensive career with Meinhardt previously. He played a key role in the growth and success of Meinhardt Infrastructure Singapore Pte Ltd, the infrastructure design subsidiary of Meinhardt’s Singapore business from 2004 to 2017. Mr Go was involved in a leadership role in a number of notable projects related to MRT Downtown Line 3, Marina Coastal Expressway, Gardens by the Bay, and Thomson East Coast Rail Line, to name a few.
In addition to his vast experience in Singapore, Mr Go was actively involved in various projects in the region and the Middle East. Some of the major projects he has led outside Singapore include the Taiwan High Speed Rail, Dubai Metro projects and various infrastructure planning and design projects in the Middle East. Prior to re-joining Meinhardt, Mr Go was the Managing Director of Australia-based Aurecon’s consulting business in Singapore, where he played a significant role in expanding the company’s business and local footprint.
Mr Go obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering from the National University of Singapore. He is a Senior Member of the Institution of Engineers Singapore; Member of the International Association for Engineering Geology and the Environment (IAEG); Member of Singapore Institute of Management (SIM); Member of Singapore Structural Steel Society, and a Life Member of Tunnelling and Underground Construction Society (Singapore).
As the Managing Director of Meinhardt Singapore, Mr Go will drive the company’s strategic direction, business development and overall operations. He will work closely with the rest of the leadership team in Singapore and the Global Board to spearhead Meinhardt’s Group’s growth in Singapore and overseas, especially in areas such as infrastructure, climate change and digital transformation.
Commenting on his appointment, Dr S. Nasim, Group Executive Chairman of Meinhardt Group, said: “We are delighted to welcome Yang San back to Meinhardt Group as our new Managing Director for Singapore. His appointment represents another significant step for the Group to strengthen and cement our position in Singapore’s built environment industry. His stellar track record and reputation make him a valuable addition to our team. We are confident that under his leadership, Meinhardt will continue to provide cutting-edge technical solutions to our clients.”
“Yang San’s vast industry experience, leadership skills and business acumen will also help strengthen and enhance Meinhardt’s position to remain at the forefront of key industry megatrends such as integrated digital design, modular construction, integrated smart cities, climate change and sustainability. We will cultivate and leverage our in-house expertise and partnerships with the industry eco-system to lead and implement new ideas and technologies here in Singapore and beyond,” said Mr Omar Shahzad, Group CEO of Meinhardt Group.
“I am thrilled to rejoin Meinhardt, a home-grown global Group with a rich history of multi-disciplinary design excellence and innovation, for this exciting challenge. I look forward to working closely with the Meinhardt team to build on the Group’s success and make a positive impact on the wider industry and community at large,” said Mr Go.
The T66 – Performance underlay from Acousticork by Amorim was chosen to provide thermal and acoustic insulation and impact reduction in Hong Kong’s luxury Central Peak development. Central Peak is a luxury real-estate development located in the eastern zone of the island of Hong Kong. Set in the midst of a natural haven, this project covers a residential area of 181,000 square metres and consists of five blocks of seven-storey buildings and 19 villas.
The project offers geographical advantages. Every detail has been carefully designed to create a comfortable environment in complete harmony with nature. Alongside this objective, the project manager chose the T66- Performance underlay, from Acousticork by Amorim, to provide thermal and acoustic insulation and impact reduction, thereby eliminating any noise-related disturbances.
The T66 – Performance underlay from Acousticork by Amorim is made of cork – a 100% natural, recyclable and sustainable raw material, making it the ideal solution for this application. Cork absorbs impact and delivers greater walking comfort. It also stands out for its high performance in terms of reducing noise propagation and thermal insulation, as well as its ecological profile. The installation of a layer of this cork underlay, which is applied between the concrete slab and the final flooring, endows the flooring with greater durability, improving comfort over time.
Australian architecture and design firm Architectus, international studio Henning Larsen and global consultants Arup have been chosen as the winning consortium to transform the Canberra Theatre Centre into a vibrant, multi-event, all-inclusive space that will, in consultation with First Nations peoples, be the anchor project for the future of Canberra’s Civic and Cultural District into an internationally recognised arts precinct.
The design vision for the Canberra Theatre Centre is an environment that reflects and represents diverse cultures and voices. An internationally recognised cultural precinct with impeccable design credentials that serves as a new community meeting place for Canberrans, and a home for artists from across the globe. The winning tender included early preliminary designs that depict a new theatre building with a bold and sophisticated façade treatment, and which references to the formal landmarks of Canberra.
Architectus Principal and Public Sector Leader, Dr Stephen Long said, “Our collective is thrilled to be working alongside the ACT Government to deliver a world-class experience that has the potential to fuel the creative spirit of Canberra.
“We will approach the design process through the lens of the audience and the performers. We will continue to work from the inside out to create a National theatre with an international reputation. We will also work from the outside in to create a theatre that is enmeshed in the city and landscape, one that holds its place in the context of Canberra’s ensemble of National culture and arts buildings and brings vibrancy to the Canberra Civic and Cultural District. We seek to create a project that is an exemplar of elegance, function and sustainability.”
Henning Larsen Partner and Design Director, Viggo Haremst said, “We are honoured to have been selected for the renewal of the Canberra Theatre Centre. Our design ambition is for the centre to become a national landmark and an international destination, drawing artists and audiences from around the world to Canberra’s new cultural heart.
“Together with Architectus and Arup, we’ve approached the design with great care considering the architecture and all other elements of design to create a vibrant and inclusive place that honours the history and beauty of the land. A cultural hub that celebrates the community, its diverse heritage and artistic expression, where people come together to share in the power of performance and storytelling.”
Arup, a world leader in theatre planning, will collaborate with Architectus and Henning Larsen to ensure the theatre has the form and function required to support the highest level of national and international touring shows.
Arup Australasian Arts & Culture Business Lead, Hannah Slater said, “We are excited to be working in collaboration with Architectus and Henning Larsen on this landmark project that embeds dialogue and creation in the civic heart of Canberra.
“Our design approach will provide the opportunity for the project to knit the stories of this place into the city through establishing a transparent, connected and inviting Centre. Arup provides diverse technical engineering skills and detailed Theatre Architecture expertise, contributing to the realisation of this ambition.”
The team shares a long history of delivering globally significant cultural projects including the multi-award-winning Harpa Concert Hall in Iceland by Henning Larsen and Arup, and Architectus and Arup collaborated on the recently opened Art Gallery of New South Wales Sydney Modern Building. Architectus and Henning Larsen also work together on several high-profile commercial projects in Sydney and Brisbane.
The mass adoption of cloud computing and artificial intelligence (AI) is driving exponential growth for the data centre sector, according to JLL’s new Global Data Centre Outlook. Accounting for 79% of overall demand, hyperscalers (predominantly the global cloud service providers) and edge data centres (smaller facilities located close to the populations and infrastructure they serve) are leading as the fastest-growing segments of the market.
According to JLL, the hyperscale market is expected to grow 20% from 2021 to 2026, as more tech companies look to meet surging demand for data processing and storage requirements. With more than 300 new hyperscale sites in development globally today, that number is expected to surpass 1,000 by the end of 2024 – up from around 500 sites just five years ago.
Data centre uptake in Asia will continue despite economic headwinds, supported by factors including sustained social media usage in China (938 million users) and India (467 million users). According to JLL, the regional hub status of Tokyo, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Sydney remain sound, with a combined 3000MW of total inventory and 765MW under construction. However, enterprises are increasingly considering other hubs and edge markets, including Jakarta and Mumbai, due to growing mobile phone usage.
Christopher Street, Managing Director, Head of Data Centres, Asia Pacific, JLL said: “Just five years ago, campus build sizes were commonly around 50MW. Today, it is not uncommon to see builds of 100MW or more. Asia Pacific currently makes up 26% share of global hyperscale data centre capacity in 2022. In mature markets like Singapore, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Shanghai and Sydney, we are witnessing a huge gap in capacity, and they are being bridged quickly with large new builds. Furthermore, emerging edge markets are receiving strong interest from cloud providers and hyperscalers. Given the region’s influence in the global economy, significant opportunity now exists in this market.”
However, the growth comes with its challenges. Globally, 53% of data centre operators struggle with finding qualified candidates, and 42% face challenges in retaining staff. Along with talent, sustainability is now a top priority for data centre developers, operators and investors, including addressing energy use and emissions. Legislation and self-regulatory initiatives, such as Singapore’s Data Centre Moratorium, are setting standards to mitigate the climate impact of the industry.
Glen Duncan, Data Centre Research Director, Asia Pacific, JLL added: “Sustainability has been a standout theme since the pandemic. Encouragingly, many Asia Pacific businesses have embarked on purpose-driven sustainability programmes to deliver impact on climate action for sustainable real estate. With more operators looking to use innovative solutions for energy efficiency, we are confident that the sector’s green ambitions would further advance. For data centre users, outsourcing all their operations or hiring a third-party specialist can help mitigate labour challenges. Those who react the fastest to respond to the twin challenges of talent and sustainability stand to benefit from cost and operational efficiencies perspectives.”
Surbana Jurong (SJ) Group has named Mr. Sean Chiao as Group Chief Executive Officer and a member of its Board of Directors, effective 1 April 2023. With this appointment, the Group is poised to accelerate its transformation into a global consulting leader in urban, infrastructure, and managed services.
Mr Chiao has over 35 years of experience in design and engineering consulting for the built environment as well as global business leadership. Previously, he led the Asia Pacific operations of one of the world’s largest infrastructure, design, and engineering companies. A passionate urbanist and firm advocate of collaboration to create holistic solutions, he has spearheaded many iconic projects in the region harnessing multidisciplinary expertise.
Surbana Jurong Group Chairman, Mr. Chaly Mah, said of Mr. Chiao’s appointment: “The Board undertook a rigorous global search for a Group CEO with a clear objective: to grow Surbana Jurong into a global platform and drive lasting positive change through leadership. Sean has extensive Asia-Pacific as well as global experience, deep insight into the industry and an outstanding track record of business results.”
He added: “We are confident that we have found in Sean the right leader for Surbana Jurong as we advance the implementation of SJ 2.0, the Group’s roadmap to becoming one of the top urban, infrastructure and managed services consulting firms in Asia-Pacific.”
Mr. Chiao said: “I am inspired by the SJ 2.0 strategy to position Surbana Jurong for leadership in an era of sustainability and digital transformation and as an employer of choice in the built environment, and I’m looking forward to working with the team to fulfill these aspirations.”
Despite being squeezed by labour shortages, rising material costs and digital disruptions, Thailand’s construction industry is still a slow adopter of technology. Globally, the emerging use of technology such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), Augmented Reality (AR) and more in the construction industry has shown that construction companies must invest and adopt technology in order to stay competitive.
The Internet of Things (IoT) has proven to be beneficial for an industry that is facing multiple major challenges such as large construction sites to manage, labor shortages, tight timelines, hazardous working conditions, strict health and safety protocols, rising costs and more.
IoT has helped solve many of the industry’s traditional problems in project management, operations, manpower, and health and safety with solutions such as real-time data streams, analytics and monitoring, automation, forecasting, and more. Combined with related emerging technologies such as building information modeling (BIM), 3D printing, AI & Robotics, precise measurements, big data and digital tools, these IoT-driven technologies are instrumental in helping construction companies to increase the efficiency of projects, and more importantly, improves profit margins.
TBIM Association aims to develop national BIM standard protocols for Thailand
The Thai Building Information Modeling Association (TBIM) is at the forefront of encouraging Thailand’s construction sector to hasten its adoption of technology. “The mission of TBIM is to act as a medium to develop and disseminate good BIM standards for Thailand’s construction industry. TBIM aims to develop national BIM standard protocols, become the centre of BIM knowledge sharing, and promote BIM international collaborations” said by Dr. Sant Chansomsak, President of the Thai Building Information Modeling Association.
Purpose of Building Construction Technology Expo 2023
It is against this backdrop that Building Construction Technology Expo 2023 (BCT Expo 2023), a Southeast Asian exhibition & conference platform on the building and construction industry, is being organised in Bangkok, Thailand from 20 to 22 September 2023. To be held at the IMPACT Exhibition and Convention Centre, Thailand’s biggest exhibition venue, BCT Expo 2023 hopes to drive and support digital acceleration changes in every aspect of the building and construction industry through the application of digital technologies.
Digitising the industry
Organised under the main theme “Towards digitalisation of the building and construction industry – Are you ready?”, BCT Expo 2023 will showcase a comprehensive range of technology, digital solutions, machinery system and equipment by more than 150 exhibiting companies to more than 4,000 trade attendees from ASEAN, coming from all sectors of the building and construction industry.
A regional industry gathering for business, networking, and knowledge exchange
With strong support from the Thai government and industry associations such as the Ministry of Transport, Department of Public Work & Town & Country Planning, Department of Rail Transport, Thai Contractors Association under H.M. The King’s Patronage, and Thai Building Information Modeling Association, BCT Expo 2023 will serve as the regional industry gathering platform for business, networking, and knowledge exchange amongst the construction industry of Thailand and the surrounding ASEAN region.
“BCT Expo 2023 is set to provide the regional construction industry and market with a dedicated face-to-face international forum to meet, discuss and exchange views, learn new knowledge and trends, forge new business deals, network, and address issues of digital disruptions and transformation impacting the industry today,” said Mr. Loy Joon How, general manager of IMPACT, the organiser of BCT Expo 2023.
