Global construction consultancy Linesight has announced the appointment of Scott Halyday to Regional Director – Southeast Asia, to drive the next phase of growth for the region. Scott has a distinguished track record spanning over 19 years, managing large-scale projects globally across Data centre, Aviation, Life Sciences, High Tech Industrial, Commercial and mixed-use sectors. Prior to this role, Scott was leading operations in Singapore.
Southeast Asia remains a strategic growth region for Linesight as global businesses seek opportunities to establish and expand their operations. The region’s construction market is expected to grow consistently over the next four years. Notably, Malaysia, which has attracted substantial investments, is emerging as a prime destination for companies in mission-critical sectors.
As a member of the regional leadership team, Scott will help lead the firm’s growth ambitions across the key sectors of data centres, life sciences and semiconductors. This includes expanding the team across the region, particularly in project management, scheduling and project controls.
“Linesight is already well established in Southeast Asia and the firm continues to expand in key sectors of the future,” said Halyday. “I’m honoured to be appointed as Regional Director for Southeast Asia to drive innovation and excellence in our service offerings”.
Halyday will report to John Butler, Managing Director, Asia Pacific. “Looking ahead, Southeast Asia will be a high-potential growth region for Linesight. Scott’s extensive global experience and his dedication in delivering superior and value-added solutions will be an asset to our operations and clients,” said Butler.
Pueblo de Panay, a township master-planned by Singapore’s premier urban planning firm Surbana Jurong, triumphed with the Masterplan Development of the Year – Philippines at the coveted Real Estate Asia Awards 2024 for its strong urban planning and community development that fosters inclusive growth in the Philippine countryside.
Situated in the heart of Capiz, a mere 45-minute flight from the Philippines’ capital Manila, Pueblo de Panay Township enjoys a strategic location that enhances its appeal and accessibility – with its proximity to key amenities and economic centres ensuring convenience for residents and businesses alike.
It offers a diverse range of amenities and facilities, embodying a holistic vision that integrates residential, commercial, educational, recreational, and industrial elements within its perimeters.
The township’s master plan incorporates green spaces, eco-friendly infrastructure, and energy-efficient solar technologies. Only 60 percent of the 670-hectare township is buildable, and the rest is reserved for open areas. In constructing its buildings and spaces, it utilises local materials like basalt rock and Capiz shells, honouring its roots and promoting sustainability.
At the same time, the trees, plants, and other flora used in the landscapes are endemic to the local area, ensuring that the local fauna is supported by familiar and necessary conditions. These steps minimise the township’s environmental footprint and enhance the quality of life for its residents, contributing to the long-term resilience of the community.
Pueblo de Panay also ensures that the voices and aspirations of the community are heard and integrated into the development process through inclusive planning processes, stakeholder consultations, and partnerships with local government units and other organisations. It now has over 60,000 foot traffic daily, composed of locals and tourists.
As part of this commitment, the township has fully donated, lent, and subsidised rents for parcels of land or spaces of buildings within the township for use by various government agencies. The Provincial Government of Capiz has started the construction of the new Capiz Provincial Capitol within the township, and the Roxas City government will soon be unveiling the design of the new Roxas City Hall to be located nearby. Both buildings, when finished, will officially make Pueblo de Panay Township the new seat of government in the City of Roxas and the Province of Capiz.
Moreover, it has served as an economic catalyst, generating around 6,000 jobs and attracting investments to stimulate economic growth. This is evident with the accreditation of the 7.4-hectare Pueblo de Panay TechnoPark by the Philippine Economic Zone Authority, offering incentives to different IT-BPM locators.
The Real Estate Asia Awards is a prestigious programme designed to honour outstanding real estate projects, developments, and companies throughout Asia that consistently redefine the standards of excellence in the industry and push the boundaries of innovation to make a long-lasting impact on the community.
The Built Environment Expo Asia (BEX) 2024 is gearing up for a landmark return from 4 to 6 September 2024 at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre, Marina Bay Sands in Singapore. As the leading Built Environment Expo, it promises to be a dynamic hub that brings together industry professionals, thought leaders and innovative companies shaping the future of Asia’s built environment.
BEX Asia 2024 caters to the specific needs of the region’s markets, while also boasting a strong international presence. The event features dedicated pavilions like Ontario, Canada; China, and Singapore, alongside exhibitors from countries/regions including Japan, Korea, Denmark, Australia, France, Canada, Malaysia and Oman.
“BEX Asia 2024 is a timely and crucial platform for industry professionals in the region. This year’s exhibition positions itself as the leading market intelligence platform for the built environment industry that presents the transformative trends that are reshaping the region. We look forward to witnessing advancements in robotics and prefabrication technologies, alongside the continued evolution of digital design solutions,” said Yeow Hui Leng, Group Director, RX Singapore. “BEX Asia will also foster a dynamic environment where participants can forge strategic partnerships and network with the vibrant startup community — ensuring they are positioned at the forefront of building a more sustainable and resilient future for our cities.”
A Hub of Innovation
BEX Asia 2024 serves as a central platform within IBEW for industry professionals from across the region to discover a wealth of cutting-edge and market-ready solutions for all aspects of the built environment ecosystem. This year’s event will feature:
New Innovations in Action: Uncover the cutting-edge solutions that are shaping the future of the built environment. Companies such as ebm-papst, for instance, are showcasing an IoT-based solution to regulate indoor air quality and energy efficiency in real-time based on occupancy, outdoor conditions and other factors. Camfil will be highlighting the importance of proper restaurant ventilation, emphasising its benefits for health, business, and air quality management. Yitac will be launching a state-of-the-art system for ensuring optimal performance, heightened energy savings, and sustainability in air conditioning. Additionally, PestBusters will be showcasing their scientifically proven solution for eradicating termite colonies.
Experience the Future of Building with Industry Leaders: Immerse yourself in a diverse array of groundbreaking solutions from leading companies through onsite product demonstrations and successful project implementations. This includes the latest advancements that have set a new benchmark for innovative sustainability solutions, zero-emission construction equipment, fully integrated facility services, and a variety of other fields integral to the built environment sector. Explore the exhibition floor through curated delegation tours led by experts or at your own pace.
Startup Pavilions: Discover innovative construction workflow solutions from startups like Millipede. Additionally, explore the latest advancements from rising stars in robotics and automation, smart construction solutions, and green energy, as well as machine learning-based predictive analytics platforms that are supported by HKSTP, ConTech Exchange, and IES INCA.
“The built environment is evolving rapidly, demanding smarter and more efficient solutions. Digitalisation and modern technologies such as AI emerge as powerful catalysts for change, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in both environmental responsibility and operational effectiveness. Daikin is passionate about leveraging these advancements by developing cutting-edge solutions for our industry partners. Events like BEX Asia 2024 provide a valuable platform to showcase these advancements and collaborate with industry leaders. We’re excited to share our vision for the future of intelligent and sustainable climate control solutions, which includes iPlant Manager and the new MARUTTO — an integrated platform that gives unprecedented control over HVAC systems, no matter where they’re at,” said Swen Tan, Senior Manager, Sustainability Lead, Daikin.
Other Key Highlights
Knowledge-sharing Opportunities: Gain insights from thought leaders and experts through informative masterclasses on the latest trends and technologies, such as “Revolutionising Building Management with Abound: The Future of Smart Solutions”, presented by Carrier and “AI in Construction: What’s Possible?” delivered by Bimage Consulting.
SGBC Seminar: Explore firsthand the innovative advancements and practical solutions shaping sustainable building practices. Attendees will also earn Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points while learning from industry experts at the Singapore Green Building Council’s dedicated seminar programme.
Registration for BEX Asia 2024, a cornerstone of the prestigious International Built Environment Week (IBEW) 2024, is now open. Visit www.bex-asia.com for more information and to register.
Tuan Sing Holdings Limited recently announced that its indirect wholly-owned subsidiary, HR Operations Pty Ltd, has entered into a deed of termination and release with Hyatt of Australia Limited and Hyatt Services Australia Pty Limited for the termination of the management of Hyatt Regency in Perth, Western Australia. Hyatt Regency Perth will cease to be a Hyatt-managed hotel on 31 August 2024. The property will be re-positioned and rebranded following the termination of the hotel management agreements.
This is part of Tuan Sing’s long-term strategy to expand its hospitality business which currently includes the Grand Hyatt Melbourne and its recently announced acquisition of Fraser Residence River Promenade, a newly completed mixed-use property in a prime location in Singapore featuring serviced apartment units and F&B offerings. The hospitality portfolio will be further expanded upon the completion of the Opus Bay project in Batam, Indonesia, an integrated township currently under development that includes hospitality components.
Hitachi, Ltd. announced recently that Hitachi Elevator Asia Pte. Ltd. has been awarded the supply and installation of 450 lifts by the Housing & Development Board (HDB) in Singapore. The project won this time is to supply elevators for high-rise residential buildings to be built from 2027 to 2029 in various public housing areas in the country. This is by far the largest order for Hitachi group’s lifts and escalators in Singapore, surpassing the 300 units ordered for HDB in 2019*1, 2020*2 and 2022.
“We are excited to announce that we have once again been awarded a significant contract. By providing the lifts with the latest technology, we aim to ensure safety, security, and comfort for everyone and look forward to serving and supporting more Singaporeans in the years ahead,” said Siew Yat Hung, Managing Director, Hitachi Elevator Asia.
Hitachi Elevator Asia aims to maintain its position within the top 3 in terms of the number of orders received for newly installed lifts in Singapore in the fiscal year 2024, through this project. Leveraging on their Digital, Green and Innovative technologies, Hitachi will continue to provide safe, secure and comfortable lifts as well as escalators for urban living and contribute towards a sustainable society.
Savills Singapore is offering 29A Jalan Hajijah for sale. It is a sizeable, landed redevelopment site located within the East Coast vicinity. The sale will be by way of an Expression of Interest (EOI) exercise.
The vicinity of Jalan Hajijah enjoys tranquillity and privacy as the immediate neighbourhood is predominantly surrounded by private landed housing and low-rise private residential developments. The Site sits on a freehold plot of approximately 11,746 square foot and is located at the cul-de-sac of Jalan Hajijah, off upper East Coast Road.
The site has an average plot depth of approximately 25 meters and an average plot width of approximately 32 meters, which allows for maximum design efficiency after a driveway. Zoned as ‘’Residential, Plot Ratio 1.4’’ under the 2019 Master Plan, the site offers flexibility to be redeveloped into two housing types, subject to the authorities’ planning approval:
A bungalow or
A boutique apartment block that can accommodate up to 15 units*
The site is conveniently accessible via the East Coast Park (ECP) Expressway and other major arterial roads. Additionally, the East Coast vicinity welcomes further enhancement in connectivity with the recent opening of Siglap MRT Station (TE28) and Bayshore MRT Station (TE29), located within 600m to the site.
Esteemed educational institutions such as Victoria Junior College, Victoria School, Temasek Junior College, Temasek Secondary School, CHIJ Katong Covent and St Patrick’s School are all within 1-2km from the site. It is also conveniently located close to an array of amenities including the popular East Coast Park/Beach, East Coast Lagoon Food Village, and East Coast Seafood Centre.
Ms. Sophia Lim, Director of Investment Sales & Capital Markets at Savills Singapore, shares, “As a sizable freehold plot zoned Plot Ratio 1.4 located at the cul-de-sac of Jalan Hajijah, the Site offers planning flexibility to be redeveloped into various housing types. Developers or end-users can either redevelop the Site into a bungalow or a boutique apartment block that can accommodate up to 15 units, subject to relevant authorities’ planning controls. The underlying demand for landed homes remains positive in District 16, as many high-net-worth individuals and families are on the prowl for well-located landed properties given the positive long-term outlook for this asset class.”
The revised guide price for 29A Jalan Hajijah is S$13.5 million, translating to approximately S$1,149 per square foot on land area and the site will be sold on vacant possession. The Expression of Interest (EOI) for the Property will close on Friday, 16 August 2024, at 3pm.
A joint study by Schneider Electric and the Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA), the national accountancy body of Singapore, reveals that 94 percent of Singapore organisations are not fully measuring and analysing Scope 3 emissions, which is impacting the readiness to report.
Launched today, the report titled “Counting to 3: Navigating Singapore’s Emissions Journey Together”, analyses the perspectives of over 500 of Singapore’s senior business leaders involved in sustainability strategies for their organisation. These leaders represent companies ranging in size from small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to large multinational corporations and come from a broad range of industries.
The report comes ahead of new requirements for all listed companies and large non-listed companies in Singapore to make climate-related disclosures from 2025 and 2027, respectively.
Starting Point is a Distinct Lack of Knowledge
Only 39 percent of respondents claim to have a strong understanding of Scope 3 emissions, which is overall much lower than for Scope 1 (52 percent) and 2 (34 percent). This gap is significant among less senior team members: 58 percent of board members and 51 percent of C-level executives claim strong knowledge of Scope 3, while only 27 percent of senior managers report the same.
Differences are also seen based on roles and responsibilities, with 47 percent and 42 percent of those in General Management and Sustainability roles saying they have a strong knowledge of Scope 3, while only 33 percent of those in Operations & Supply chain say the same.
Respondents cite the correlation between greater seniority and greater knowledge exists due to senior executives having increased access to briefings on emissions management and strategies. However, the importance of knowledge being equally distributed across all functions and divisions within organisations was also emphasised, as change management programmes require both strategic understanding coupled with the capability to implement the step changes needed for Scope 3 reporting requirements in Singapore.
Knowledge Deficits Linked to Inaction
While over three quarters (76 percent) of business leaders say they have completed feasibility studies to better understand their organisation’s readiness to measure, report, and manage its Scope 3 emissions, only 6 percent say their organisation is fully measuring and analysing Scope 3 emissions, lagging significantly behind Scope 1 (52 percent) and Scope 2 (30 percent) emissions.
As a result, confidence in meeting their Scope 3 emissions targets is significantly lower, with only 27 percent believing these are highly achievable, compared to 40 percent for Scope 1 and 31 percent for Scope 2 emissions. Leaders from larger businesses are significantly more likely to indicate they have set targets for Scope 3 (54 percent) compared with those at small businesses at 31 percent.
In further findings, only 32 percent believe their organisation’s net zero targets are achievable, but in a show of optimism 64 percent of those whose organisations have not yet set emissions targets believe they should have done so. Business leaders who adopted science-based targets (SBTis) were more likely to drive meaningful action within their organisations, helping define a clear and credible path to sustainability success.
Four Groups of Organisations Identified Based on Scope 3 Progress
The report identifies four groupings of organisations in Singapore with progress around managing Scope 3 emissions and the degree of management required: high adopters (10 percent), moderate adopters (30 percent), low adopters (38 percent), and emerging adopters (22 percent). From this analysis, the industries in Singapore identified as containing the highest proportion of high and moderate adopters combined are consumer goods, energy and mining, healthcare and pharmaceuticals, financial services and engineering and construction.
Expertise, Resources, Motivation and Tech are Key Progress Barriers
Overall, a lack of human and financial resources, commercial motivation, and access to fit-for-purpose technological infrastructure are highlighted by respondents as the top barriers to progressing Scope 3 emissions reduction agendas and initiatives.
However, there are differences in impact, based on segment status. For instance, while high and moderate adopters identify a lack of human resources or expertise as the biggest barrier to reducing Scope 3 emissions, low adopters and emerging adopters cite a lack of technological infrastructure as the biggest.
Yoon Young Kim, Cluster President, Schneider Electric Singapore and Brunei said, “Scope 3 presents the next frontier of emissions management and still unchartered territory for many organisations in Singapore. Education is critical for advancing Singapore’s green agenda. We see correlations throughout the findings of this study that a lack of understanding of key areas of management of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions leads to a lower level of planning, target setting, and ultimately action.
“At Schneider Electric, we are deeply committed to meaningful and thorough emissions management, and we are constantly growing our capacity to help partners strategise, digitise, and decarbonise. But as with all initiatives to tackle climate change, everyone needs to be in lockstep on this journey: government and private sector businesses of all sizes and across all industries. Schneider Electric, together with ISCA, hopes this report shines a light on the most pressing areas that must be addressed if we are to make the changes that will facilitate Singapore’s path to net zero.”
Accountants are Poised to Play Key Role in Sustainability Reporting
Accountancy and finance professionals are well-placed to take on the role of sustainability reporting. As corporate reporters, they already have fundamental skills in financial reporting. They are also familiar with applying accounting standards and ensuring that reporting is transparent, verifiable, comprehensive, independent, and fair. In addition, accountancy and finance professionals are proficient in data collation and analysis to provide meaningful explanations for informed decision-making. These skillsets are transferable to sustainability reporting, including Greenhouse Gas scope 3 reporting.
Kang Wai Geat, Divisional Director, Professional Standards, ISCA said, “Sustainability is a megatrend that is reshaping the accountancy profession. Increasingly, organisations are turning to the accountancy profession for sustainability reporting and assurance. To take full advantage of the opportunity to help organisations advance their emissions agenda, accountants must upskill and reskill to keep up with the latest developments in sustainability.
“The accountancy profession is key to reporting sustainability performance to shed light on how companies earn their profits. Having consistent and comparable sustainability reporting will help stakeholders make informed decisions in support of sustainability. ISCA is delighted to collaborate with Schneider Electric to delve deeper into GHG scope 3 emissions management and reporting.”
Mandala Club, Singapore’s private membership club community, has today announced that it has become the first conserved building in Singapore’s historic Chinatown district to receive approval from the Urban Development Authority (URA) of Singapore to install rooftop solar panels on the roof of its Singapore location. Slated for completion in the third quarter of 2024, this milestone sees Mandala Club becoming the first conserved building in Singapore to install rooftop solar panels, partnering with technology-driven renewable energy supplier Flo Energy for this latest development in Singapore’s urban landscape.
Owned by K. M. C. Holdings Pte Ltd, Mandala Club’s premises are located at 31 Bukit Pasoh Road, a three-storey Art Deco building constructed in 1928, which received the prestigious URA Architectural Heritage Awards in 2006. Marking a first in Singapore’s urban landscape, this latest development underscores Mandala Club’s commitment to sustainability and its role as a market leader in integrating energy conservation into its business operations and corporate blueprint.
Historic Milestone in Singapore’s Sustainability Landscape
With this latest development, Mandala Club has set a precedent for other businesses and owners of conserved buildings to emulate. The installation of photovoltaic panels at Mandala Club, slated to be completed by the third quarter of 2024, marks a pivotal step in maintaining Mandala Club’s net-zero carbon emissions status. This effort aligns with Singapore’s Green Plan 2030 and the United Nation’s Race to Zero campaign, in which Mandala Club was the first hospitality business in Singapore to participate, through the SME Climate Hub.
“We are incredibly proud to lead the charge in sustainable innovation not only within the hospitality industry but also within heritage conservation areas,” said Lilly Milligan Gilbert, Chief Sustainability Officer of Mandala Club. “This achievement has been months in the making, and we are deeply appreciative that our application to install rooftop solar panels on the premises has been approved, in alignment with the Singapore Government’s efforts to promote sustainability.”
“As a technology-driven renewable energy supplier, we are proud to partner with Mandala Club in their journey to be the market leader towards a greener future. The climate crisis affects all of us, and we are heartened by Mandala Club’s efforts to make incremental, sustainable change by being the first conserved building in Chinatown to incorporate rooftop solar panels on their premises. We are excited to be part of this history and we hope to inspire future solar deployments on more conserved buildings,” said Matthijs Guichelaar, Chief Executive Officer of Flo Energy.
Launching the Mandala Solar Collective
In conjunction with the approval to install solar panels on the Club’s premises, Mandala Club is thrilled to introduce the Mandala Solar Collective, a business-to-business initiative that aims to assist local business owners in understanding the benefits and challenges of renewable energy adoption, as well as form a common knowledge share for best practices. Commencing in Q3 2024, the initiative will feature a series of roundtable discussions involving local businesses, designers, and partners, culminating in a flagship event in September 2024 to celebrate the successes of the project and share insights gleaned from the pioneering initiative.
“At Mandala Club, we aspire to be stewards of the neighbourhood and environment which we call home, and being at the forefront of sustainability is of paramount importance, not only to the Club’s leadership but more importantly, to our members,” said Ben Jones, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Mandala Group. “This approval is a testament to Mandala Club’s commitment to sustainability and our dedication to enriching the lives of our members and working in tandem with the community to make a positive impact on the world around us.”
Sitting in the heart of Dubai’s financial district, Immersive Tower is the latest landmark by DIFC. The concept design, led by Aedas Global Design Principals Christine Lam and David Clayton, is a 37-storey mixed-use tower that offers commercial, amenity and retail spaces to cultivate an innovative business environment.
The tower adopts two symmetrical V-cut architectural forms, defining the uniqueness of the Dubai cityscape. The V-cut features stepping terraces and rooftop amenities with unparalleled views towards the Gate Building and Gate Avenue. The bottom V-cut creates iconic F&B and communal spaces filled with greenery at the podium which spans five floors. With the application of vertical fins, the verticality of the tower is further enhanced.
Immersive Tower offers a fusion of work, leisure and luxury and is designed to meet the evolving needs of businesses and their workforce. Offering over 58,573 square metres of Grade-A office space, and 24 full floors between the podium and rooftop terraces, the design delivers an elegant lobby to create a top-of-the-line working environment. The office space is supported by 10,596 square metres of retail space including a rooftop leisure club, and 680 square metres is allocated for amenities.
Christine shares, “A luxury private club with rooftop terraces are designed at the 3-storey tower crown, presenting the high-end corporate image and unique leisure experience brought by the tower.”
To maximise the accessibility to the existing developments within DIFC, the tower is designed with the provision to connect with the surroundings. The triple-height lobby and landscaped forecourt create a strong sense of arrival, stitching the tower to the community.
“Immersive Tower by DIFC is highly connected to the adjacent developments with functionality and efficiency, with a vibrant live-work environment embedded. It embodies a modern and people-centric design within a bustling financial district that complements the whole DIFC masterplan,” David says.
Grundfos, a provider of advanced pump solutions and water technology, announced recently that it has achieved a Platinum medal rating from EcoVadis. This recognition places Grundfos in the top 1 percent of companies rated worldwide, showcasing its unwavering commitment to sustainable business practices.
EcoVadis is one of the world’s largest and most trusted providers of business sustainability ratings, assessing more than 130,000 companies’ actions and practices on their corporate and social responsibility. Using its international standards, EcoVadis has evaluated Grundfos across four key areas: Environment, Labour & Human Rights, Ethics, and Sustainable Procurement to award the business a Platinum medal rating.
Since the last assessment (Gold medal rating), Grundfos has implemented additional measures and policies to strengthen social and environmental responsibility across the value chain. At the same time, the company has made significant progress towards both water and climate ambitions, reflecting the company’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and continuous improvement.
“We are very proud of the Platinum rating, which I would like to dedicate to our hardworking and dedicated colleagues worldwide. It encourages us to keep pushing ourselves to enhance our ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) practices that include progressing towards net zero by 2050, fostering a fair, inclusive, and safe working environment, enforcing strong ethical business standards, and ensuring sustainable procurement across our entire value chain,” said Louise Koch, Senior Director, Group Head of Sustainability, Grundfos.
Silvio Vanzo, Group Senior Vice President, Purchasing, Grundfos added, “Achieving Platinum certification highlights Grundfos’ commitment to conduct business in a responsible way, but it also highlights the close collaboration and trust between us and our loyal suppliers and customers. Their cooperation and input have been instrumental in strengthening and enhancing our ESG practices throughout the entire value chain.”
Grundfos sustainability highlights include:
Environment: SBTi validated 2050 net-zero target
Climate: Since 2020, Grundfos has reduced its CO2 emissions by 11.7 percent (2023). Through a new Power Purchase Agreement, the company is set to meet its target of a 50 percent reduction in operational carbon emissions in 2025 – five years ahead of the company’s original 2030 goal.
Water: In 2023, Grundfos solutions enabled customers and end users to save an estimated 1.6bn m³ of water and reduced water withdrawal in their own operations by 48 percent since 2020.
Labour & Human Rights: To foster a fair, inclusive, and safe working environment, Grundfos has robust labour policies and practices across its value chain.
Ethics: Grundfos has implemented rigorous anti-corruption measures, conducts regular audits, and provides extensive training to ensure ethical practices are maintained throughout its operations.
