Wild Wonder – a hue inspired by the warm tones of harvested crops – is AkzoNobel’s Color of the Year 2023. Its upbeat glow connects us with nature, creating a sense of energy and positivity.
As people search for support, connection, inspiration and balance in the world today, they’re diving into the wonders of the natural world to find it. Extensive research conducted by a team of in-house paints and coatings color experts and international design professionals found hope at the heart of global social, design and consumer trends.
“Wild Wonder speaks to us in a language we instinctively understand,” says Heleen van Gent, Creative Director of AkzoNobel’s Global Aesthetic Center. “Nature is what inspires us and makes us feel better in our lives and in our homes. That’s why, for the first time in 20 years, our entire color palette is inspired by the rhythms of nature.”
Four Dulux decorative paint color palettes have been designed around Wild Wonder (Winter’s Silence, 50YY 49/191): Lush Colors (the forest hues), Buzz Colors (meadow brights), Raw Colors (harvest shades) and Flow Colors (seashore tones). For consumers personalizing their homes and urban environments, the palettes make it easy to choose wall colors for a timeless look that’s also bang on trend.
“As concerns about mental health increase around the world, creating a home that feels in touch with the natural world couldn’t be timelier,” says Oscar Wezenbeek, Managing Director of AkzoNobel Decorative Paints South East and South Asia. “We need a space that can give us support in challenging times; somewhere that brings a hint of the outdoors, the echo of a landscape and a sense of belonging. Wild Wonder and its complementary color palettes can help our consumers to feel inspired by the wonders of the world and to bring some of that natural magic into their homes.”
The year 2023 brings two major milestones to the Global Aesthetic Center. Its ColourFutures trend forecast will celebrate its 20th anniversary, while the team also reaches three decades of trend analysis, color research, color design and art direction at AkzoNobel.
For more information about the Color of the Year 2023, visit the web page and follow #CF23 on social media.
Article by Bent Jensen, CEO, Commercial Building Services, Grundfos
Climate risks continue to spell greater uncertainty in our future. Europe and North America saw their most brutal heatwaves, while severe drought has left millions facing famine in East Africa. Asia was equally battered by record heat, flash floods and droughts, which scientists say will only become even more frequent and intense due to climate change.
In the face of all this, while it is important to prepare our cities against the unpredictable nature of extreme weather events, we also need to recognise that managing our carbon footprint is imperative in ensuring a liveable future for the next generation.
Specifically, buildings have a huge potential to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, and in turn make a real difference towards the environment. Globally, 40 per cent of the world’s carbon emissions come from existing buildings[1], and they also account for half of the global electricity consumption[2]. With Southeast Asia’s urban population expected to grow by another 100 million people by 2030[3], the region will be seeing greater urbanisation and buildings within the next decade.
Southeast Asia is also one of the most vulnerable regions to climate change, making the building sector’s sustainable ambitions high on the region’s agenda. Countries in the region are increasingly recognising the importance of green buildings – 43 per cent of green bonds in ASEAN are used for financing green buildings[4].
However, given the soaring demand for new buildings and pace of climate change, there is a radical need to reduce carbon emissions from the building sector. It has become increasingly urgent to make the sustainable transformation necessary for our built environment, by tapping into new innovation and leveraging strategic partnerships.
Beating the heat sustainably
Climate change’s most pertinent consequence on cities has recently been in the form of urban heat, a phenomenon where metropolitan areas experience warmer temperatures due to factors like urban surfaces retaining heat and a denser population.
In the region, most countries have been well equipped with cooling solutions to cope with the heat, being located in the tropical belt where hot and humid weather is commonplace. To further brace for rising temperatures, local researchers are studying the factors that contribute to urban heat and testing different cooling strategies.
However, as our solutions work harder to keep us cool and comfortable, urbanisation and a demand for increased comfort will increase the expected energy demand for buildings. As there are no short-term pathways to make energy production non-carbon based, it is vital to increase the efficiency of energy use in buildings – in both new constructions and existing buildings.
Notably, pumps control the water and cooling system of a building, operating, and using energy year-round. Particularly in commercial buildings, the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems accounts for up to 40 per cent total energy use[5]. They are also responsible for all water management processes such as potable water supply, wastewater removal, and even fire protection. Therefore, we need pumps in buildings to be energy efficient.
To help reduce the carbon footprint of buildings, building solution providers are increasingly looking at smart technology to achieve systems that can operate in optimised conditions at any time, using water and energy in an efficient manner. For example, intelligent pumps can now instinctively adjust its operations based on changes in demand, which ensures that pump systems run only when needed, thereby halving the amount of electricity consumed by traditional pumps that operate at a constant rate.
With more efficient pump solutions, the world’s energy consumption can be heavily reduced. The result of which is not only a positive impact on carbon emissions and climate change but also higher performing buildings, greater indoor comfort, and increased water safety.
Innovative thinking key to greening a building
Beyond tackling the important issue of urban heat management, it is also crucial to examine all aspects of a building’s operation with an innovative lens. For example, solar energy has presented great potential, with solar panels and building-integrated photovoltaics proving to be effective ways to harvest renewable energy to power buildings. Notably, these were some of the solutions we tapped into to further green our facilities in Singapore, through working closely with the staff and students of Singapore Polytechnic as part of their industry attachment arrangement with us.
Other trends include moving the building sector’s current project-based construction approach to one that is product-based, by pivoting industry players towards modular and prefabricated solutions. By producing standardised components off-site and then assembling on-site, we can achieve greater resource efficiency and also drastically reduce project timelines.
Last but not least, urban biodiversity and applying biophilic design principles – integrating natural systems into the fabric of our cities – can play a role in helping our built environment achieve climate change adaption, by improving overall air quality.
Creating value through strategic partnerships
Looking beyond these existing sustainable solutions and approaches, at the end of the day sustainable innovation cannot be achieved in silos; it is through partnership that we can better facilitate industries’ green transition and capture the best value out of it.
This is why industries are increasingly expanding their expertise and experience through collaboration with regional and local institutions and organisations. For example, earlier in June, Grundfos signed an MoU with Singapore’s Ngee Ann Polytechnic (NP) to co-develop energy and water efficient smart solutions that will contribute to a more resilient and sustainable built environment across Southeast Asia, through collaboration, talent development and sustainability education.
This partnership has been a win-win both ways – staff and students have received greater industry exposure in the areas of sustainability and experience first-hand innovative new technologies, while we have benefited from leveraging NP’s academic rigor and knowledge to improve our sustainability credentials.
Conclusion
As we emerge from the pandemic into the new normal, the hope for a sustainable world is picking up again among the next generation, businesses, and governments. Facing increasingly harsher climate changes, how we survive and thrive in the next decade and beyond relies on how we set our sights on sustainability, and how we can achieve our goals of restoring the world’s ecosystems.
Going green with our buildings is no longer a question of making a business case for it. It is a clear win-win situation for both its builders and occupants, not only making a positive impact on the environment, but also reducing overall operations cost without compromising comfort.
It is thus imperative for us – governments, businesses, and individuals – to think long-term and invest in the global transition to a more sustainable future, by committing our resources to pivot our built environment to a sustainable one that will ensure a liveable future for all.
Driven by technology and global lockdowns, the role of the physical workplace has changed at an exponential pace, leaving many organisations reassessing how best to use space. The ‘office’ has increasingly become a place for people to connect and collaborate, exchanging ideas and information, meaning acoustics have never been more important.
This Autumn Woven Image introduces Serene Contours a design driven collection that responds to the design needs of the ever-evolving workplace. The Serene Contours collection exhibits linework strongly informed by Art Deco trends, included within the collection are two new EchoPanel® precision cuts; Palace and Ohm along with Duet Ion, a dual-sided panel for partitioning applications. Also housed within the collection is the quilted acoustic fabric Focus Chain.
Woven Image’s wall finishes embrace the trend towards more tactile surfaces and three-dimensional textures; the panels interweave cutting edge design with sustainability and commercial performance. All provide a beautiful textural element to any vertical surface, with the added benefit of acoustic performance to combat reverberation from hard surfaces within busy offices.
EchoPanel Palace in colourway #349
The Woven Image Autumn 2022 new product launches encapsulate design driven acoustic solutions for total applications with the release of three new acoustic panel designs: Ion Duet, Palace and Ohm.
Joining their precision cut range of acoustic panels is EchoPanel® Palace, which unveils detailed linework reflecting the arcs and archways of architecture and Art Deco motifs to evoke a serene, peaceful environment. Likewise, the contours of EchoPanel® Ohm reflect the ebb and flow of sound waves, a nod to their acoustic performance. Both designs feature a bevelled edge, to aid panel-to-panel installations. EchoPanel® precision cuts are sustainably made using 60% post-consumer recycled PET plastic. The range is available in 33 colours that coordinate with other wall, ceiling, partitioning and upholstery products in the portfolio.
Ion Duet has been developed with the new hybrid workspace, flexible floorplates and occupants’ well-being front of mind. Utilising Ion’s geometric design, Ion Duet is a multi-directional dual-sided panel for partitioning applications, including workstation screens and operable walls. Compressed from EchoPanel® 24mm, the colour is consistent throughout the thickness of the panel making it ideal for frameless applications.
Pendent Ion Duet is a suspended acoustic screen that floats graciously above the floor for a breathtaking, sound absorbing experience. Pendent Ion Duet is ideal as a partitioning solution for flexible space dividing, privacy screening and wayfinding applications. Like Ion Duet, its embossed design is featured on both sides, ensuring its aesthetic is enjoyed from all angles.
Focus Chain is a design-led multi-functional textile solution suitable for task seating, occasional seating as well as wrapped panels for workstations,pods and room dividers. It graces any room with its beautifully quilted upholstery fabric inspired by a fusion of vertical line-work teamed with an Art Deco influence. The textured design evokes a calming flow of movement, enticing the user to its lofty surface. Like Focus Wave, Focus Chain is an acoustic fabric boasting sound absorption properties and performing to global commercial textile standards. Available in 12 contemporary colourways that coordinate with other fabrics in the focus range.
At the opening of its new office at Asia Square Tower 2, KPMG in Singapore introduced its three-pronged Sustainable Future of Work strategy aimed at scaling and transforming businesses in Singapore and the region to create lasting, measurable change on a fragile planet. The professional services firm will work in concert with enterprises and industry players to accelerate, co-create and operationalise their fit-for-future transformation in three areas of focus: decarbonisation in ASEAN’s green and just energy transition, data and insights-led solutioning as an enabler, and talent as a differentiator in the future economy.
As a key implementation to this strategy, KPMG in Singapore introduced its first-of-its-kind ASEAN Decarbonisation Hub today. Adopting a ‘hub-and-spoke’ approach, the Hub will have Centres of Excellence (CoEs) i.e. the ‘spokes’ to drive specific focus areas across the ASEAN countries which includes decarbonisation and hydrogen solutions, solar and wind technologies, geothermal technologies, sustainable cities, carbon capture and energy efficiency. Aside from providing expertise in these areas, the CoEs will also support governments and enterprises to create financing models and attract financing, thereby augmenting the resources and expertise that may be needed to make decarbonisation efforts possible regionally. Such nodes of sustainability capabilities will be a gamechanger and equaliser for various nations across ASEAN looking to decarbonise their value chains and economies.
KPMG estimates that the decarbonisation opportunity in ASEAN is expected to reach between US$7.5 trillion to US$10 trillion by 2050, with about half of the investments channelled towards renewable energy and strengthening power infrastructure across ASEAN. As ASEAN countries chart their roadmap for net-zero, KPMG’s ASEAN Decarbonisation Hub amalgamates the firm’s regional leadership in zero-carbon energy, blended finance, low-carbon investment opportunities, climate risks and energy efficiency to catalyse the region towards a low-carbon future. Some of the key opportunities identified in ASEAN’s energy transition include efforts by countries to phase out coal and transition to green energy as the mainstream. There has also been a clearer urgency to ramp up hydrogen solutions and build clean mobility infrastructure. However, ASEAN countries remain at varying stages of their decarbonisation trajectories due to their unique energy and socio-political needs.
Ong Pang Thye, Managing Partner, KPMG in Singapore, said: “Singapore and its ASEAN neighbours are on the cusp of growth and green opportunity, with decarbonisation expected to emerge as among the top contributors to Singapore’s gross domestic product by 2050. Over 50,000 new jobs in energy transition are also expected to be created in Singapore over the next decade and over 5.5 million in ASEAN. KPMG’s investments towards a Sustainable Future of Work, amplified by its new ASEAN Decarbonisation Hub, are aimed at advancing enduring progress and prosperity across the region and in Singapore – specifically by addressing the resource and expertise challenges of countries and businesses. Data-driven insights for the green transition and global tax are also opportunities that are calling for support. We have doubled our technology investments into the future of work and are ready to provide quality insights and advice to take companies forward in their purpose-driven agendas, helping them break down silos, co-create assets and unify data in these areas.”
Complementing the Hub’s propositions are KPMG’s in-house developed technologies, such as its Decarbonisation Pathways tool which helps businesses model future scenarios to achieve their decarbonisation ambitions across their Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions, while incorporating costs and approximate investments into the scenarios. The tool is built at the asset level to ensure that future planning decisions can be made around the infrastructure assets that generate these emissions. Other tools include a sectoral benchmarking and diagnostic tool, reporting and monitoring framework and dashboards, and a decarbonisation toolkit by industry.
ASEAN Decarbonisation Hub: Fuelling ASEAN’s green and just energy transition
Over 50,000 new and upgraded jobs in sustainability and energy transition are expected to be created in Singapore alone over the next decade and over 5.5 million in ASEAN, according to independent research and official estimates[1]. Along with roles in climate technology such as hydrogen production and supply, and embodied carbon reporting and assurance, there will also be new opportunities in sustainable finance, digital technology, built environment and waste management.
Hence, the ASEAN Decarbonisation Hub, which will house a dedicated team of decarbonisation professionals in Singapore and the region, will drive and prioritise sector growth that is in support of the country’s push to strengthen its Singaporean core. It will also engage ASEAN’s start-up communities to leverage homegrown talent in these emerging areas as well as proactively publish thought leadership and case studies to promote best practices.
In its founding years, the Hub’s priority areas will include low-carbon, energy efficient projects as well as carbon trading and market mechanisms. It will also boost the delivery of innovative and practical green solutions in the energy, transport and real estate sectors, given their importance in the achievement of net-zero ambitions across ASEAN nations. Digital technologies will be at the heart of the Hub’s delivery engine to enable data-driven insights, smart visualisation and effective control for a green and just transition. Working closely with KPMG’s Global Decarbonisation Hub, the ASEAN Hub will also see top talent drawn from all parts of the world with the capabilities to synthesise these cutting-edge solutions to local and regional contexts.
KPMG’s Sustainable Future of Work Strategy
KPMG’s Sustainable Future of Work strategy and ASEAN Decarbonisation Hub were shared in conjunction with the opening of the firm’s new Singapore office premises at Asia Square Tower 2 – a connected, conscious and collaborative workspace that is committed to building thriving and sustainable enterprises that can survive waves of disruption. Ms Indranee Rajah, Minister, Prime Minister’s Office, Second Minister for Finance & Second Minister for National Development, was the guest-of-honour at the opening event. With all-round demand for quality advisors on the rise amid an increasingly complex business landscape, KPMG’s office of the future is where top industry minds gather and bring to bear solutions that fuel innovation and growth, with strategic focus on the decarbonisation, talent and data pillars of its Sustainable Future of Work strategy. This is further supported by the firm’s cutting-edge workplace technology and co-creation spaces.
Decarbonisation: As a global organisation, KPMG recognises its role as a force for positive change in the just transition to net zero. Hence, it has also committed to firm-wide decarbonisation targets of achieving 100 percent renewable energy by 2022, leveraging smart technologies to reduce its carbon footprint and promoting resource-efficient and sustainable habits at the employee level. This year, KPMG will also set an Internal Carbon Price to cover business travel and business operations globally, which will help fund improvements across its value chain by setting a price on the emissions that it generates.
Talent: About 30 percent of existing industry jobs will require upskilling as ASEAN decarbonises. Hence, a key prong in KPMG’s Sustainable Future of Work strategy is its continued investments towards growing talent who can lead the market in cross-sector trends and transformative expertise, while uplifting industry baseline standards for professional services and nurturing the local talent pool pipeline. KPMG has recently invested S$25 million into salary adjustments this financial year for majority of its Singapore workforce, with starting pays for entry-level professional staff increasing by up to 20 percent. The firm has also launched its S$30 million lifelong learning programme for its 3,200-strong workforce, focusing on developing futurist capabilities and harnessing skillsets, such as data and digital literacy as well as valuing and creating measurable impact.
As a leading professional services firm that attracts top talent who can deliver the impactful outcomes demanded by businesses today, KPMG in Singapore was also the first in the industry to raise salaries for audit and tax employees who have attained the Singapore Chartered Accountant (SCA) or Accredited Tax Advisor (ATA) qualifications by 20 percent. This is on top of the firm’s investments of about S$21,000 per employee in tuition fees, exam fees and generous paid study leave.
Data: Technology investments into the future of work have also been doubled by KPMG in Singapore to enable and empower staff to create quality outcomes and measurable change for clients and communities. KPMG’s Digital Village – the firm’s all-encompassing digitalisation strategy that houses its digital development competencies and pushes out solutions in areas such as risk, compliance, artificial intelligence integration, and data insights.
KPMG is also broadening support for businesses to create sustainable growth through data-led insights across jurisdictions. One use case is the current challenge faced by businesses over uncertainties that could be posed by global tax developments, exacerbated by data disparities and information gaps across jurisdictions and even internally across their value chains and departments. KPMG’s cloud-based Digital Gateway for Tax platform, which was showcased at KPMG’s office opening, supports businesses, especially multinational corporations, have a macro-oversight to global data. When businesses have sight of data analyses across jurisdictions, they can seamlessly analyse effective tax rates and also consider their tax planning strategies to chart sustainable tax policies, increase cost savings, while safeguarding reputation risks. This enables effective governance and control around the various tax obligations, drives consistency and analysis, and supports the seamless flow of data for companies.
Sustainable tax policies are the backbone of growing lasting economies, greening our environments and building a social compact. With ESG becomes front and centre of business decision making today, KPMG has also invested more than US$1.5 billion over three years on its ESG change agenda. The collective investments will focus on training and expanding KPMG’s global workforce, harnessing data, accelerating the development of new technologies, and driving action through partnerships, alliances and advocacy.
Vibe Hotel Singapore Orchard, the first Vibe Hotel to open outside of Australia, has officially opened. Managed by Far East Hospitality, a home-grown leading operator of hotels and serviced residences, Vibe Singapore is more than a hotel with character; it is a social space for guests to connect with work, like-minded guests and travellers, and the local area.
Vibe Singapore houses 256 rooms across five room categories (Superior, Deluxe, Premier, Family, Suites) with room size starting from 23 sqm. Located in the residential enclave of Orchard Road, within easy access to Singapore’s longest shopping belt, Vibe Singapore caters to travellers looking for a hotel with character that provides a welcome retreat amidst contemporary design.
Purposefully-designed social spaces
Guests are invited to discover the property’s purposefully-designed spaces that provide convenient touchpoints to foster meaningful connections.
Upon entering the hotel, guests are welcomed at the Lobby Bar, the centre stage of Vibe Singapore where they can socialise freely with fellow guests. Located at the heart of the hotel where guests connect, this island bar transitions from a lush cafe setting offering barista-made coffee in the day, to a watering hole at night serving up an assortment of classic cocktails, craft beers and an impressive selection of wines from around the world available by the glass.
Located in the lobby of Vibe Singapore is ROOS, the latest concept by lifestyle group Caerus Holding, an all-day dining destination for hotel guests and diners. Named after the Australian slang for “Kangaroos”, ROOS offers a laid-back dining experience away from the bustle of Orchard Road, with a wide selection of menu offerings ranging from Aussie-inspired brekkie items, all-day grills, handmade pasta, and a selection of Asian food fare brimming with local favourites. In collaboration with Penfolds, one of Australia’s leading winemakers, diners in search of premium wines are welcome to step inside the Penfolds Lounge, a walk-in cellar with an impressive floor-to-ceiling display of wines.
The hotel’s outdoor Swimming Pool serves as a space for guests to enjoy an outdoor barbecue with friends and family in typical Australian fashion, while keeping up with the latest on Aussie sports on the big screen at the Pool Bar. Guests looking to unwind can also enjoy a relaxing day by the pool with a good read and a cocktail in hand.
Guests will be able to work up a sweat anytime at the 24-hour Gym, complete with essential equipment ideal for their daily workout routines. Guests can also pick up a quick snack from the Vibe Pantry, Vibe Singapore’s 24-hour self-service counter offering the convenience of takeaway treats at a supplement fee.
Complete immersion in the Singaporean lifestyle
The relationship between Singapore and Australia is a very close-knit one. As the first Vibe property to open outside of Australia, Vibe Singapore offers the best of both worlds – enabling local guests to experience a taste of Australia served up by the hotel’s friendly staff members, while allowing overseas visitors a trusted and familiar friend who can tell them what’s good to see, do or eat whilst in Singapore.
Enjoy Good Vibes
An introductory offer to experience Vibe Singapore is only available on the hotel’s website (https://www.vibesingapore.com/). Room rates start from $250++ for a night’s stay in the Deluxe Room.
Grundfos, a global leader in advanced pump solutions and water technologies, has become the first organisation in the water solutions sector1 to receive full validation of its 2050 net-zero target from the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi), a climate action organisation that enables companies to set greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction targets grounded in science. SBTi also validated the company’s near-term 2030 emission reduction targets.
Poul Due Jensen, Group President & CEO of Grundfos, comments: “Today, we announce the most significant long-term climate commitment in our sustainability journey at Grundfos, one that highlights our leadership in taking climate action across our footprint and deep into our value chain. At Grundfos, our services and solutions go beyond water, as do our sustainability ambitions: saving energy, saving water, circular business, and water access.
As a leading pump manufacturer and water solutions provider, we take responsibility for the carbon that is emitted not only to produce our products but also the energy consumed when they are in use. This creates a layer of complexity many companies do not have when tracking emission reduction, and I am immensely proud to see Grundfos lead the sector in brave pursuit of a better world for people, businesses, and planet.”
Grundfos aims to accelerate its transformation to a net-zero future whilst enabling its customers to save energy. The net-zero target will require significant innovation efforts and deep, concerted decarbonisation efforts across the company’s operations and value chain.
To achieve this long-term goal, the SBTi also approved Grundfos’ near-term CO2 emission reduction targets. Grundfos commits to reduce absolute Scope 1 and Scope 2 GHG emissions 50% and reduce absolute Scope 3 GHG emissions 25% by 2030 from a 2020 baseline year.
Grundfos worked with industry experts to identify the use of Grundfos products by end users as its biggest source of GHG emissions. These emissions, of which Grundfos is indirectly responsible for across its value chain, account for 99% of the company’s total GHG emissions. As such, Grundfos believes it can make the most difference in addressing the growing climate challenges by pledging to reduce Scope 3 emissions by delivering the world’s most energy-efficient and digitally enabled product portfolio.
Grundfos’ science-based targets and carbon footprint baseline have been created in partnership with the Carbon Trust, a global climate consultancy. Hugh Jones, Managing Director, Advisory at the Carbon Trust said, “We are proud to have supported Grundfos in setting its science-based targets, which are aligned to both climate science and global net zero ambitions. This represents a significant milestone in the company’s sustainability journey and makes a positive contribution to the wider water sector’s move towards a decarbonised future.”
1 As found on Science-Based Targets initiative’s publicly available target dashboard as of 9 November 2022.
The Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Change Corporation (MGTC), an agency of the Ministry of Environment and Water (KASA), and Envision Digital, the decarbonisation software leader for net zero, have signed a new partnership agreement to accelerate Malaysia’s net zero journey and promote real-time carbon footprint tracking.
A document exchange ceremony took place at the International Greentech & Eco Products Exhibition & Conference Malaysia (IGEM) and was witnessed by Yang Berbahagia Dato’ Seri Ir. Dr. Zaini bin Ujang, Secretary General of the Ministry of Environment and Water.
From left to right: Michael Ding, Global Executive Director of Envision Digital; Lei Zhang, CEO of Envision Group; Yang Berbahagia Dato’ Iskandar Abdul Samad, Chairman of MGTC; Yang Berbahagia Dato’ Seri Ir. Dr. Zaini bin Ujang, Secretary General of KASA; Shamsul Bahar Bin Mohd Nor, CEO of MGTC
Under the 12th Malaysia Plan, Malaysia has announced ambitious goals of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 and reducing its greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) intensity of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 45% by 2030. The partnership between Envision Digital and MGTC is an industry-first in Malaysia’s journey towards achieving these commitments and will equip key stakeholders with the tools and capabilities they need to track their carbon emissions.
As part of this collaboration, both parties will jointly develop a low carbon operating system (LCOS) to enable local businesses across Malaysia to monitor and manage their carbon emissions. Powered by EnOSTM Ark, Envision Digital’s carbon management solution, LCOS allows key stakeholders to catalyse the decarbonisation and digitalisation momentum, and gain real-time insights into their carbon footprint.
Ts. Shamsul Bahar Mohd Nor, CEO of MGTC, said, “Getting to net zero means reducing the build-up of emissions in the atmosphere that are warming our planet. With rising temperatures, the world faces a number of irreversible environmental changes. Issues such as food and water shortages, unpredictable weather, and the outbreak of diseases could affect humanity and future generations for years to come.”
He added, “Globally, many companies are embarking on the net-zero transition, and decarbonisation is undoubtedly the first and most crucial part of this agenda. Our partnership with Envision Digital will allow companies to measure their carbon emissions, manage their business activities and take action to reduce their emissions. This opportunity will pave the way for us to promote a green economy and realise the national mission to build a carbon
neutral nation by 2050.”
Azaidi Mohd Lazim, Managing Director, Malaysia at Envision Digital, said, “This partnership with MGTC highlights our commitment to supporting Malaysia’s decarbonisation journey and helps unlock opportunities for businesses to accelerate their net zero transition in innovative ways. As a global net zero technology partner for both governments and companies, we believe public-private partnerships are vital to creating a net zero world.”
Luucid, a Singapore-based technology company specialising in Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) software and applications, launched Lotus VR, a specially designed application, utilising VR to empower consumers with the freedom and full control to create their dream properties instantly today.
“Luucid is proud to be a pioneer in designing and developing Lotus VR, a software application utilising the power of VR which will change the way traditional interior designers work and give property owners unprecedented control over the exact design, look and feel of their properties. The industry is in need of innovations to alleviate the burden on interior designers while also empowering property owners and we believe leveraging on VR technology will be a huge game changer” said Mr Muzhaffa Kamal, Co-Founder and CEO of Luucid.
“We want to enable users to have full control of the design of their properties and share it with friends and family. If you’re looking for a specifically designed theme such as Scandinavian, Contemporary or Minimalist, you could download a template immediately and start customising. As the VR technology evolves and the take-up rate increases, we will explore creating other immersive worlds for other industries, its potential is truly endless.” said Mr Muhd Fauzi, Co-Founder and CMO of Luucid.
Harnessing VR to empower users with full control and unleashing their creativity
Lotus VR provides an immersive experience for property owners to conceptualise, design and create their dream properties by letting them enter a 3D floor plan model of the property and interacting with the various elements present. Users will put on a VR headset for visualisation and will navigate the environment using motion controllers.
Users will be greeted with a 3D blank canvas from which they are only limited by their creativity. In the living room, access the catalogue, choose your favourite sofa, tables, chairs, curtains, cabinets, shelfs, paint colour, floor tiles and place them exactly where you want them to be. Users will instantly be able to visualise how their properties will look like, with real time quotations and costings also displayed.
Users can move on to the bedrooms, the kitchen, the bathrooms and other parts of the property to create their dream property, all within an hour. The design can be saved and edited at any time by the user. Families can also participate together, with each taking turns to immerse themselves and design their own bedrooms/personal space individually. Interior designers will play a minimal role in the process
Revolutionising the Interior Design Industry
Having worked extensively with interior designers and gathering their feedback, the Luucid team identified several challenges faced by people in the interior design industry.
Key observations include industry stagnation in coming up with innovative ways to create a design mock up for property owners, days and weeks spent aligning with clients on coming up with a 3D design of their property and communication issues stemming from ideas unsuccessfully conveyed and implemented.
Conceptualised and designed exclusively in-property by their own team of local software developers, a prototype was ready in just 3 months, utilising the Unreal 4 engine, a tool which allows creators to design interactive experiences and immersive virtual worlds.
Focusing on the Present, Looking to the Future
The team at Luucid has now exited the prototype stage and will be available from 3rd quarter 2023. Luucid is already in discussions with several companies, MNCs and vendors interested in taking up this technology and uploading their designs/materials/products into the VR for consumers to experience and select.
As a pioneer among advanced intelligence computing platforms, the Hengqin Supercomputing Centre is comprised of three phases and it is set to be one of the largest world-class AI computing centres. Phase Three is jointly designed by Guangdong Architectural Design & Research Institute (GDAD) and Aedas design team, and is led by Executive Director Kelvin Hu. The project will be completed and ready for use in 2023.
Located on Huandao West Road at the base of Xiaohengqin Mountain, the landscape and abundant greenery provide a thriving scenery to the project. In light of such beneficial ecology, the design manifests itself into two main concepts: Advanced Technology and Sustainable Ecology.
“Phase Three is located near one of the cooling stations, where the cool energy generated from the power plant is transferred to the site through the station and underground pipes. Our key is to integrate the ecology and technology into one design core in the Science Innovation Zone.” – Aedas Executive Director Kelvin Hu.
Responding to the compact site area, the plot is divided into three independent multi-functional blocks according to their respective traffic flows. A mass cut strategy is adopted to open the sight corridor on both sides towards Hengqin Mountain. Subdivision of functional body blocks create a jagged form, enhancing vertical interaction within the building. These soften the building volume and weaken the sense of oppression on the approaching road to merge into the environment.
Taking inspiration from energy circuits and ecological growth, the design emphasizes geometry and movement, expressing an architectural language that is sleek and neo-futuristic. The linear façade is inspired by integrated circuits, which are indispensable to any AI computing platforms. It shapes the architecture with simple geometric form to create an atmospheric façade. Using metal plates to mimic the dense lines on circuits, the project is complete with exquisite details and lighting features to light up the area as a shining technological cube during the night. The blocks in the middle adopts façade mullions and double insulating glass to create a stick glass curtain wall façade that enables sunlight to penetrate and blur the border to the exterior surroundings.
The vertical ecological greening is created to form a three-dimensional landscape system, integrating the architecture and nature. The jagged façade becomes a green wall with creeping plants growing in between the grooves, providing a seasonal and natural wall painting to vitalize the area. In addition, green public spaces are placed on rooftops to create a sustainable working environment.
Kelvin added, “We hope to create a design that infuses elements of nature with technology in a diverse and interactive environment. As such, this neo-futuristic project shall be a green cubic landmark in Hengqin New District.”
Zhuhai Hengqin Supercomputing Centre
Location: Zhuhai, China
Design and Project Architect: Aedas, Guangdong Architectural Design & Research Institute Co., Ltd (GDAD) Client: Zhuhai Da Heng Qin Company Limited
Workthere is pleased to onboard Staytion, Asia’s first multi-concept lifestyle space provider as part of its offering for co-working spaces. Staytion will launch their first outlet at Marsling MRT station, with three more outlets slated to open at Dhoby Ghaut, Woodlands and Paya Lebar MRT stations by January 2023.
Workthere believes in providing a solution to work decentralization by connecting people to more accessible workspaces. As part of Savills, it offers options for the full spectrum of space to meet the working needs of individuals and businesses. They support start-up to large-scale corporations, offering bespoke office space, private offices or HQ spaces of 1,000 desks across multiple countries.
In Singapore, most co-working centres are situated in central areas, primarily in the central business district, with a precious few located within the heartlands. By including Staytion as part of Workthere’s offerings, it will to help build a more inclusive array of co working options for hybrid workers, better connecting commuters and residents to secure, accessible and cost-effective workspaces to work, live and play.
Staytion has reinvented the familiar MRT station environment to meet the needs of a targeted transient crowd and communities living nearby, particularly working parents and those living in tight spaces to connect them to comfortable, productive and easily accessible spaces at MRT stations. In partnership with Workthere, users can book Staytion’s co-working spaces through the Workthere platform.
The following spaces are offered: Communal Seating, Private Studio and Meeting Rooms. Each outlet will have Wi-Fi services, focus spaces such as meeting nodes, cosy reading nooks, F&B outlets and cafés.
Ashley Swan, Executive Director, Commercial Leasing at Savills Singapore shares, “there is a growing need of accessible flexible workspaces, especially so with most co working outlets situated in central areas. Staytion answers this call, providing occupiers with a multi-concept lifestyle option in the heartlands where people can carry out their daily activities closer to where they need to be. This allows people to use their time more efficiently while still being able to satisfy the social aspects of daily life.”
Jane Toh, Chief Executive Officer and Founder, Staytion, “Workthere and Staytion are natural partners in this ecosystem. Workthere has a huge base of corporate clients with varied needs for traditional and flex office spaces; and a unique proposition in its way of connecting users to spaces.”
Climate risks continue to spell greater uncertainty in our future. Europe and North America saw their most brutal heatwaves, while severe drought has left millions facing famine in East Africa. Asia was equally battered by record heat, flash floods and droughts, which scientists say will only become even more frequent and intense due to climate change.
Taking inspiration from energy circuits and ecological growth, the design emphasizes geometry and movement, expressing an architectural language that is sleek and neo-futuristic. The linear façade is inspired by integrated circuits, which are indispensable to any AI computing platforms. It shapes the architecture with simple geometric form to create an atmospheric façade. Using metal plates to mimic the dense lines on circuits, the project is complete with exquisite details and lighting features to light up the area as a shining technological cube during the night. The blocks in the middle adopts façade mullions and double insulating glass to create a stick glass curtain wall façade that enables sunlight to penetrate and blur the border to the exterior surroundings.
