Henderson Land Development Company Limited has been named one of Asia’s Top Green Companies at the Asia Corporate Excellence & Sustainability (ACES) Awards 2024. This recognition underscores Henderson Land’s leadership in sustainable property development, environmental stewardship, and community well-being.
Central to its sustainability strategy is the 2030 Sustainability Vision, anchored on four pillars: Green for Planet, Innovation for Future, Value for People, and Endeavour for Community. Aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, these pillars guide the company’s efforts to combat climate change, foster innovation, and enhance stakeholder and community value.
Henderson Land integrates smart, climate-resilient building designs to reduce its carbon footprint. The company strives for BEAM Plus Gold Rating for all new office developments, focusing on energy efficiency, resource conservation, and indoor environmental quality. A standout achievement is The Henderson, a super Grade-A commercial development designed by Zaha Hadid Architects. This iconic project has received the Three Star Pioneer Rating in China’s Smart Building Pre-Certification Accreditation, reflecting its innovative green building practices.
The Henderson has also earned the Grand Award in the Non-Residential (New Building – Non-Government, Institution or Community) category at Hong Kong’s prestigious Quality Building Award (QBA) and the Innovative Project Award across all categories. Recognised for its eco-friendly and cutting-edge design, The Henderson sets a new benchmark for architectural excellence, contributing to Hong Kong’s advancement and enhancing societal well-being.
Henderson Land’s dedication to superior standards and sustainability continues to shape a greener, more resilient future for Asia.
Francis Lau Choo Yew, Managing Director and Founder of LCY Development Sdn Bhd, has been recognised as one of Asia’s “Outstanding Leaders” at the ACES Awards 2024. The award celebrates Lau’s exceptional contributions to the construction and engineering sectors in Brunei and his leadership in fostering sustainable practices within the industry.
Under Lau’s guidance, LCY Development has completed over 130 projects in Brunei, spanning government and private sector clients, with a total project value exceeding B$400 million over the past decade. Since its founding in 1997, LCY Development has distinguished itself in Brunei’s competitive market by delivering quality craftsmanship combined with innovative technology and sustainable practices.
Lau explains, “We ensure unmatched craftsmanship in every project, integrating cutting-edge solutions to meet modern demands.”
This focus on quality and innovation has cemented LCY’s reputation as a trusted provider in Brunei. The company’s success is further supported by its robust project management approach, ensuring projects are completed on time and within budget.Lau emphasises the importance of managing every stage of a project thoroughly: “This holistic approach, from initial planning to final execution, ensures we not only meet but exceed client expectations, making us a preferred choice in the industry.”
He earned an Honours degree in Building from the University of New South Wales and began his career as a Quantity Surveyor with Brunei’s Public Works Department. He subsequently founded LCY Development and has since expanded his professional portfolio across Malaysia, Australia, and Singapore. His career achievements have garnered multiple accolades, including awards for Best Leadership and Outstanding Entrepreneur.
Lau acknowledges that sustaining business continuity and upholding quality and efficiency have been among his biggest challenges. He underscores the need for resilience, stating, “It’s essential to stay competitive while seeking opportunities in both the public and private sectors.” With a workforce of over 300, LCY Development emphasises employee growth through comprehensive training programmes in advanced construction techniques, sustainable practices, and safety standards. “While I stay engaged in major HR decisions to ensure alignment with our values, I delegate day-to-day tasks to a competent HR team,” Lau explains, highlighting the company’s balanced approach to human resource management.
LCY Development is committed to sustainable building and community engagement. The company incorporates eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient designs in its projects, actively supports local employment, engages with charitable initiatives, and participates in environmental programmes such as tree-planting campaigns. These efforts reflect LCY’s commitment to environmental conservation and societal well-being.
Through these initiatives, Francis Lau and LCY Development continue to make a significant impact in Brunei, embodying leadership that contributes meaningfully to the industry and the community.
LIXIL unveiled a bold global strategy and vision during the TOSTEM Asia Design Awards 2024 (TADA 2024), reaffirming the commitment to delivering innovative solutions for modern living. Operating in over 150 countries and employing more than 50,000 people, LIXIL continues leading the global housing materials and water technology sectors. Through trusted brands such as TOSTEM, INAX, American Standard and Grohe. LIXIL remains focused on providing products that meet the diverse needs of consumers worldwide.
ZGlobal Strategy and Vision
LIXIL Water Technology (LWT) has achieved remarkable success globally, with more than 50 percent of sales now coming from markets outside Japan. LWT’s world-class bathroom and kitchen solutions have established the division as a trusted brand internationally, reflecting the company’s ability to deliver high-quality products that resonate with consumers worldwide.
Meanwhile, LIXIL Housing Technology (LHT) continues to grow from a strong foundation in Japan, with increasing opportunities for international expansion. While LHT currently sees 5 percent of business from outside Japan, the division is well-positioned to expand its global footprint. As demand for sustainable and innovative housing solutions grows worldwide, LHT is equipped to bring its expertise to new markets, driving the future of living spaces globally.
The company’s long-term strategy emphasizes expanding LHT’s footprint in global markets, driving its vision of revolutionising living spaces worldwide. A notable example of this vision is the award-winning “Seamless” Panorama Window, which utilizes carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) technology to achieve a sleek, minimalist design. The product earned the prestigious Red Dot Design Award: Best of the Best, showcasing LIXIL’s commitment to combining beauty and functionality.
Commitment to Asia and Sustainability
“At LHT Asia, we are committed to pushing the boundaries of innovation and sustainability, setting new standards in the industry. Our vision is not just to adapt to the future but to shape it, creating solutions that meet the evolving needs of our partners and customers across Asia,” said Mr. Ichiro Murakoshi, Leader, LIXIL Housing Technology Asia.
LHT Asia Business Strategy
Over the past 5 years, the TOSTEM brand has doubled LHT’s business in Asia, fueled by focused investments in marketing, showroom development, and expanding its partnership network. With a strong presence in India, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines, LHT Asia has become a key player. Moving forward, LHT Asia will focus on two key strategies to support growth:
Strengthening the Global Supply Chain: With significant investments in India, LIXIL LHT Asia plans to further boost local production and procurement to meet increasing regional demand.
Expanding Product Categories: Beyond windows and doors, TOSTEM aims to diversify its offerings to become a total housing solutions provider, enhancing customers’ living experiences worldwide.
Sustainability Focus for 2024 and Beyond
Aligned with LIXIL’s Environmental Vision 2050, TOSTEM is committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 through sustainable business practices and products. A prime example is the eco-friendly PremiAL R100, made from 100% recycled aluminium. As one of the few brands in Asia offering such a product, TOSTEM is leading the way in creating sustainable housing solutions. The company will continue to invest in R&D to further advance eco-conscious design.
TOSTEM Asia Design Awards 2024: Celebrating Architectural Excellence
The TOSTEM Asia Design Awards 2024 (TADA 2024) honours creativity and innovation in architecture across Asia. This year’s theme, “Context Reconnextion,” invited architects to blend aluminium windows and doors into designs that harmonize with their environments.
Submissions were open from May 9 to July 31, 2024, to architects from India, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, Taiwan, and Vietnam. The competition featured two categories: Building of the Year and Special/Honorable Mention, showcasing the versatility of aluminium products in residential spaces.
Guest judges Pakorn Mahapant and Erick Laurentius, both winners of the TADA 2023 Award, provided their expertise during the judging process, reinforcing the competition’s focus on sustainability and contextual integration. After several rounds of evaluations, ten outstanding winners were selected.
Celebrating Excellence in Design
The top prize for Building of the Year 2024 goes to:
Reny Lijo and Lijo Jos from LIJO.RENY. architects for The House Veiled In Brick
Muhammed Jiyad CP, Ahmed Thaneem Abdul Majeed, and Muhammed Naseem M from 3dor Concepts for THE SLAB
Trung Nguyen from Song A for RB HOUSE
Ekaphap Duangkaew from EKAR Architects for Dog / Human House
Soumitro Ghosh, Nisha Mathew, and Sahana M Bhat from Mathew and Ghosh Architects for Wildgrass – House in the Nilgiris
The Special/Honorable Mention Award was awarded to:
Sanjay M. Patil from Environ Planners for Nature’s Island
Erwin Kusuma and Regina Winarni from e.Re studio architects for BGH House
Pawin Tharatjai from IS Architects for TNOP HOUSE
Pham Minh Tuyen from LEN’s Décor for T Villa
Rattawut Chansritrakul from Architects 49 (Chiang Mai) Limited for 3-gen House
The Zayed Sustainability Prize, the UAE’s pioneering award for sustainability and humanitarianism, has announced 33 finalists for innovative solutions to global challenges from 5,980 submissions across 156 countries. These innovators leverage AI and advanced tech to address carbon capture, sustainability, and essential access to clean energy, water, food, and healthcare.
Winners will be announced at the Zayed Sustainability Prize Awards on 14 January 2025, during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week. Finalists span six categories: Health, Food, Energy, Water, Climate Action, and Global High Schools, reflecting a 15 percent increase in entries from the previous year, including from SMEs, non-profit organisations, and high schools.
H.E. Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, Director General of the Zayed Sustainability Prize, and COP28 President, highlighted that the finalists demonstrate exceptional innovation and impact: “This cycle, we received an unprecedented number of submissions, with notable participation from the Global South and youth. This year’s submissions reflect the three megatrends shaping our future, namely the rise of the Global South, the pace of the energy transition and the growth of AI.
These changemakers are tackling urgent environmental challenges head-on, while simultaneously advancing economic progress through innovative solutions. By leveraging emerging technologies, such as AI, carbon capture and removal, tidal energy, precision agriculture, biomimicry, and climate analytics, they are addressing the needs of the moment while inspiring the next generation to innovate and drive sustainability in impactful ways.”
Health finalists this year provide quality healthcare to underserved, remote communities. The Health finalists are:
Periwinkle Technologies (India): Portable AI-enabled cervical cancer screening with 30-second results.
Rology (Egypt): 24/7 AI-assisted teleradiology for quick, accurate diagnoses.
Telemedan (Chad): Solar-powered medical kiosks for affordable healthcare in remote areas.
Food finalists aim to empower small-scale producers, support sustainable food preservation, and convert arid land into productive farms. The Food finalists are:
ABALOBI (South Africa): Mobile app and marketplace for small-scale fishers to log catches and sell directly.
Nafarm Foods (Nigeria): Hybrid solar food dryers to preserve food and reduce CO2 emissions.
Xinjiang Shawan Oasis Institute (China): Solar-powered smart greenhouses transforming desert land into farms.
Energy finalists provide solutions to boost energy efficiency and expand access to clean energy and transportation. The Energy finalists are:
D-Olivette Global Enterprise (Nigeria): IoT and AI-driven smart waste management, boosting efficiency by 40 percent.
Palki Motors Limited (Bangladesh): Low-cost electric cars with solar-powered battery swap stations.
Turbulent (Belgium): Eco-friendly vortex hydropower turbines with 60 percent efficiency.
Water finalists focus on optimising water use and enhancing access to clean drinking water. The Water finalists are:
Elman Teknoloji Ltd (Türkiye): Sensor-based water optimization in irrigation, reducing labour costs by 80 percent.
High Atlas Foundation (Morocco): Solar-powered water pumping for optimized groundwater extraction.
SkyJuice Foundation Inc. (Australia): Affordable, easy-to-deploy water filters requiring no chemicals or external energy.
Climate Action finalists are advancing carbon capture, ecosystem restoration, and climate resilience. The Climate Action finalists are:
Distant Imagery (UAE): AI-powered drones for environmental monitoring, seed planting, and habitat restoration.
Hyera Inc. (USA): Carbon capture technology converting waste into activated carbon to remove water pollutants.
OpenMap Development Tanzania (Tanzania): Flood management solution integrating indigenous knowledge with geospatial data
The Global High Schools’ finalists presented project-based, student-led sustainability solutions, with finalists divided into six regions. The regional finalists include:
The Americas:
Centro de Estudios Tecnológicos del Mar 07, Mexico
Institución Educativa San Nicolás de Tolentino, Colombia
Mulgrave School, Canada
Sub-Saharan Africa:
Mpesa Foundation Academy, Kenya
Sakafia Islamic Senior High School, Ghana
St Kizito High School Namugongo, Uganda
Middle East & North Africa:
Benlahrech Said High School, Algeria
Merryland International School Abu Dhabi, UAE
Obour STEM School, Egypt
Europe & Central Asia:
Baku Modern Educational Complex, Azerbaijan
Gebze Bahçeehr Science & Technology High School, Türkiye
Presidential School in Tashkent, Uzbekistan
South Asia:
Faafu Atoll Education Centre, Maldives
Girls Higher Secondary School Khaplu, Pakistan
Janamaitri Multiple Campus, Nepal
East Asia & the Pacific:
Beijing World Youth Academy, China
Te Pā o Rākaihautū, New Zealand
Votualevu College, Fiji
In the Health, Food, Energy, Water and Climate Action categories, each winner receives US$1 million (S$1.34 million). Each of the six winning Global High Schools receives up to US$150,000 (S$201,265.80).
The winners of the first BlueScope Steel Architectural Awards ASEAN were crowned at a gala dinner event in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in November 2024. Several respected industry bodies — the Association of Siamese Architects under Royal Patronage (ASA), Ikatan Arsitek Indonesia (IAI), the University of Architecture Ho Chi Minh City (UAH), Malaysia’s ACG Media Group and AustCham Singapore – partnered with NS BlueScope, to create this awards programme to celebrate the most innovative and creative uses of steel across a diverse range of architectural projects in the region.
There were five award categories, with one winner selected from shortlisted projects in each. Companies from Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and Vietnam participated with the ASEAN finalists, drawn from a total of 14 winning entries in the respective national competitions. Projects were assessed on Design Excellence, Innovation, and Sustainability, with the judges scoring a range of features from aesthetic merit to functionality and efficiency, with a particular focus on how they are serving their local communities.
The winners of the individual categories are:
Industrial: The Industrial Foundry for Marine Vessels, by Ar. Naksit Wisetmora
Commercial: VanaVasa Resort, by M J Kanny Architect
Residential: LAAB is More, by Studio Sifah
Institutional (and Others): Masjid Daing Abdul Rahman, by Razin Architects
Long Lasting Beauty of COLORBOND® steel: CIDB Convention Centre, by Arkiskape
“This new awards programme will shine a deserving spotlight on some of the greatest steel architectural triumphs of our region. As an industry leader in painted and coated steel solutions, we are proud that we contribute to the innovation of the building industry and help enable those beautiful, well-designed projects that are genuinely forging our communities and advancing sustainability,” said Connell Zhang, Chief Executive of NS BlueScope & China.
The winners were announced at the awards ceremony at the Hilton Kuala Lumpur Hotel. Around 150 representatives attended the event, including a selection of notable Guests of Honour, including the Australian High Commissioner to Malaysia, Ms Danielle Heinecke, who praised the beauty of the winning entries and noted their strong contributions to their local communities.
Shenzhen stood out from 429 candidate cities from 64 countries and regions to win the World Smart City Award at the 2024 Smart City Expo World Congress (SCEWC) in Barcelona, demonstrating China’s extraordinary strength and potential in building smart cities.
Centred on the theme of “building a new smart city benchmark, making city smarter and life better“, the “comprehensive solution for building a smart city” by Shenzhen integrates the city’s people-oriented concept of smart city construction and provides several highlight cases.
The jury committee believes that Shenzhen has comprehensively demonstrated its innovative solutions in key areas such as enabling technology, transportation, energy and environment, governance, industry and economy, livability and inclusiveness, infrastructure and construction, and created an intelligent and humanistic digitised city by its unique urban philosophy, foundation and landscape.
Concerning urban governance, Shenzhen has preliminarily built up the digital twin base for the city area, which combines nearly 10,000 BIM refined models of major buildings, forming the digital twin data system covering three primary categories (urban basic space, management targets and IoT perception) and 25 subdivisions, and offers 4,000+ data services.
The city has created 200+ digital twin application scenarios including one graph for urban water management, one graph for power charge, storage and discharge, planning and design of the 5th-phase rail transit, and promoted the application of digital twins in urban areas like Houhai, Xiangmihu and Guangming Science City.
For example, by creating applications for urban flood prevention and relying upon the graph for urban water management, flood disaster risk model and contingency plans for different working conditions, Shenzhen utilises 3D models to simulate floods in key districts and analysis of affected areas, reinforce the accuracy of identifying water-logging risks and explore new paths of addressing the issue.
The Xiangmihu digital twin comprehensive application depends on high rendering capability to visually present complex surface and underground space planning, assists in digital decisions such as city silhouette review and urban landscape design, and advances the establishment of a lifecycle digital twin management model of key districts including planning, design, construction and operation.
The Singapore Interior Design Award (SIDA) 2024 celebrated the pinnacle of spatial and interior design excellence at the awards Gala Dinner held on 8 November 2024 at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre, attended by Guest-of-Honour Ms Indranee Rajah, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, Second Minister for Finance and National Development, with over 500 guests from design, architecture, and the built environment business sectors.
Presented by the Society of Interior Designers Singapore (SIDS), SIDA is an annual competition aimed at recognising exceptional projects and practitioners in the design industry worldwide. The award also features a dedicated category for Singapore-based designers – Luminary – one of the highest levels of recognition in Singapore, honouring designers who have significantly impacted the industry.
In its 8th edition, SIDA 2024 had received almost 700 submission entries from 12 countries. Submissions from Singapore made up a significant share of the submissions with 492 entries, with Malaysia and China trailing. This year also saw new submissions from Cambodia and the United Kingdom, an exciting observation which underlines SIDA’s nascent reach outside Singapore. A total of 107 participants from 8 nations were honoured with the SIDA 2024. United by a strong design know-how and diverse experiences, the jury panel for SIDA 2024 is made up of internationally renowned experts, creatives, and industry leaders in the fields of design, architecture, and hospitality.
Brandon Fee, Chairman of SIDA 2024, is heartened: “Since its inception in 2017, SIDA has grown from a platform dedicated to spotlighting Singapore-based designers to a highly respected regional competition that sets the bar for design excellence across Asia. Each year, our finalists represent a dynamic blend of experienced professionals and emerging talents, illustrating that SIDA’s design-centric criteria ensure a level playing field for all, regardless of project scale or budget.”
Winners and highlights include:
Lifetime Achievement Award: Simon Ong, Kingsmen Creatives (Singapore)
Designer of the Year: Averse Yau, A Blue Cube Design (Singapore)
Young Designer of the Year: Dickson Phoon, Twothree Design (Singapore)
Best Design Firm of the Year: Super Assembly (Singapore)
Design Educator of the Year: Ho Sock Yee, Temasek Polytechnic (Singapore)
Design of the Year: EDL Regional Headquarters, Gwen Tan, The Afternaut Group (Singapore)
As the world of interior design continues to grow and evolve, SIDA offers a valuable platform for showcasing creativity, skill, and innovation. The competition not only brings attention to talented designers but also shines the spotlight on young designer students seeking to join the profession through SIDA Youth Category. In alignment with its commitment to nurturing emerging talent, the award has expanded to include the inaugural SIDA Youth Excellence Award, an annual bursary programme recognising three students enrolled in local Institute of Higher Learnings (IHLs) with S$3,000 each.
Tung Ching Yew, President of the Society of Interior Designers Singapore, adds: “As Singapore’s leading professional body for the industry, the Society aims to position itself as a vital pillar of quality and credibility. One of our proudest milestones is achieving this through SIDA where we recognise not only veteran practitioners but also aspiring design students who will be the next generation of design leaders.”
2024 also marks the Society’s 30th anniversary. As Singapore’s leading professional body for the industry, SIDS endeavours to shape the future of the industry, profession and design. During the Gala Dinner, Tung shared significant milestones the Society has achieved over the last three decades and current challenges the industry is facing.
Addressing the recent spate of negative renovation-related news, the Society will be embarking on an awareness campaign for Singapore Interior Designers Accreditation Scheme (SIDAS) to educate homeowners and project owners on the importance of hiring accredited professionals who adhere to the highest standards in design, ethics, and safety.
At this year’s ICONIC AWARDS 2024: Innovative Architecture, no fewer than four dormakaba solutions have been awarded as winners in three categories: the new generation of terminals for time recording and the new, digital high-security safe lock series, Axessor APEXX IP, in the “Product- Building Technologies” category, the automatic door system MotionIQ in the “Energy Solutions” category and skyra, which is the cloud-based access solution in the “Product Special” category.
“We are delighted and proud to have received four awards in this neutral, international architecture and design competition. These prizes further strengthen our reputation as a design-oriented company and are a sign of recognition for creative product development and innovation. They motivate our employees to continue developing products of the highest quality,” emphasises Torsten Stolte, Managing Director of dormakaba Deutschland GmbH.
The new dormakaba terminals 96 00 and 98 00 of the new terminal generation for time recording support individual working time models, meet the specific needs of employers and are designed to adapt to different requirements and display designs. The terminals are flexible, future-proof, easy to integrate and sustainable.
The intelligent Motion IQ door system for automatic doors significantly improves a building’s energy balance while reducing operating costs, facilitating barrier-free access to the building and optimising the safe use of automatic doors. The new system only opens the door when necessary and closes it immediately after passage, as MotionIQ calculates the ideal opening time and the time the door remains open.
The smart on-demand solution skyra ensures safe and easy access to distributed critical infrastructure sites. The skyra portfolio includes a variety of locking cylinder designs for every locking situation and a rechargeable key that communicates access rights and locking information with the cloud service via the mobile app.
The new digital safe lock series “Axessor APEXX IP” sets new, significant benchmarks and standards in the field of safe locks and provides a networkable, contemporary multi-lock application. In connection with the administration and networking platform, the safe locks can be securely managed and programmed remotely. It is ideal for all companies that require the efficiency and convenience of a networked and unified safe lock solution that meets the highest security standards.
At the awards ceremony in Munich on 8 October 2024, the special prize in the “Architects of the Year” category, sponsored by dormakaba, went to Tatiana Bilbao Estudio from Mexico.
“Tatiana Bilbao’s Mexican architecture studio sees architecture as a tool for improving social situations. I am impressed how local conditions are masterfully translated into striking architectural gestures,” explained Bernhard Heitz, Strategic Product Design dormakaba, at the awards ceremony.
Cementing its leadership in the built environment sector, City Developments Limited (CDL) was conferred the pinnacle Company of the Year Award at the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) Awards 2024, in recognition of its long-standing commitment and contributions to driving enterprise and value-chain transformation. Introduced this year, the Award seeks to spur firms in the sector to go beyond project-level initiatives towards outstanding achievements in their business operations and value chain, as well as workforce transformation at the enterprise level.
Embracing its ethos of ‘Conserving as We Construct’ since 1995, CDL has built a strong track record in sustainable development, pioneering green building innovation and game-changing construction methodology at its developments, while also implementing active asset management strategies to manage the carbon footprint of its commercial portfolio, in addition to stakeholder engagement initiatives to drive mindset and behavioural change within its value chain, from builders and consultants to tenants and end users, as well as the wider community.
Mr Chia Ngiang Hong, CDL’s Group General Manager, said, “As a homegrown developer, we have contributed to shaping Singapore’s skyline and the built environment for over six decades. It is a tremendous honour to be an inaugural recipient of the prestigious Company of the Year Award, which affirms our unwavering commitment towards quality and excellence. Through our continued focus on digitalisation and innovation, we will chart new growth pathways, drive transformation within our value chain and support the shared vision of a future-ready built environment for Singapore.”
In addition to the prestigious Company of the Year accolade, CDL received the Quality Excellence Award, marking its 12th consecutive win since 2013. This award recognises leading progressive developers and builders for their commitment and achievement in delivering high-quality homes through workmanship excellence and quality assurance programmes.
Driving Business and Value Chain Transformation through Digitalisation and Innovation
Innovation has been a key driver in CDL’s business and decarbonisation journey and consistently remains one of the Group’s top-voted material environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues since 2017. In the move towards a low-carbon world, CDL continues to leverage innovation and digitalisation to support business growth and transformation.
Through the implementation of digital tools such as the Common Data Environment (CDE), it has boosted project outcomes by enhancing collaboration and communication in its property development workflow, which involves multiple stakeholders. For its Union Square redevelopment project, CDL has embarked on the CDE pilot and expects to achieve productivity improvements and other beneficial outcomes during the development process.
Since 2022, CDL has also started introducing the use of robots at its worksites, making a significant step forward in the construction process by enhancing precision, safety and efficiency, enabling the completion of complex tasks such as tile grouting and rebar tying with greater accuracy and consistency.
In July 2022, the use of robots for tile grouting was first trialled at its Executive Condominium (EC) project Piermont Grand, and will be implemented at its other EC projects, Lumina Grand and Copen Grand. These robots are utilised by tiling sub-contractors and streamline the process of marking grout lines, which allows for speed and ensures uniformity and accuracy in tile placement.
As an extension of its commitment to enterprise and value chain transformation, the Group has also focused on aligning its major subsidiaries with its decarbonisation and sustainability goals. The Group’s wholly-owned hospitality subsidiary, Millennium & Copthorne Hotels Limited (M&C), recently achieved the esteemed Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) certification for its six hotels in Singapore: Copthorne King’s Hotel, Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel Singapore, M Hotel Singapore, M Social Singapore, Orchard Hotel Singapore and Studio M Singapore.
Securing GSTC certification is aligned with Singapore’s Green Plan 2030 and the Singapore Tourism Board’s Sustainability Roadmap. Some key features implemented by M&C include innovative in-room technology, zero single-use plastic by 2050 and several social impact initiatives.
Asset Portfolio Decarbonisation through Innovative Stakeholder Engagement
To enhance a building’s overall energy efficiency, influencing user behaviour through engagement initiatives is vital. In 2014, the CDL Green Lease Partnership Programme was introduced to support and encourage its commercial tenants to reduce their energy consumption and environmental footprint. Under the programme, tenants are provided support in greening their offices to obtain the BCA Green Mark Office Interior certifications.
Piloted City Green Tenant Bonus Programme at Republic Plaza
In July 2024, CDL piloted its City Green Tenant Bonus Programme, a first-of-its-kind decarbonisation initiative for tenants at its flagship Grade A office building – Republic Plaza. As an extension of CDL’s Green Lease initiative, this programme aims to promote, encourage and incentivise tenants to adopt sustainable practices and effectively reduce energy consumption. Participating tenants will receive energy savings and dollar-for-dollar rebate incentives in the form of CDL vouchers at the end of the 12-month programme, as well as sustainability knowledge and resource support.
Through this initiative, if all qualified tenants collectively achieve a 10 percent energy reduction, Republic Plaza can reduce its annual Scope 3 carbon emissions by up to 264,000 kgCO2e – equivalent to the energy needed to power 150 4-room HDB flats for an entire year. Reducing tenants’ carbon emissions will also help address CDL’s Scope 3 GHG emission source.
Building on its core value of collaboration, CDL is committed to providing resources and knowledge to help tenants reduce energy costs and advance their journey towards sustainability. CDL’s credibility in sustainability will provide a first-in-industry experience to CDL’s tenants, further strengthening the close landlord-tenant relationship.
RSP, a global multidisciplinary architectural and engineering design group headquartered in Singapore, came out on top in the Singapore Business Review list of Singapore’s most notable architecture professionals under 40, with six of its local architects making the final cut out of a total of 20 outstanding peers recognised.
In search of the best architecture professionals under 40, Singapore Business Review reached out to more than 25 architecture firms in Singapore this year. Nine female architects and 11 male architects made the list this year after a rigorous nomination review process.
RSP is especially proud to be acknowledged as a powerhouse in nurturing the next generation of outstanding architectural professionals, with all the finalists being homegrown talents. It underscores the group’s commitment in training and expanding the skills of young, local architects, and mentors the next generation of leaders who can meet the challenges in a rapidly transforming world.
Within the context of the built environment, architecture firms like RSP are experiencing hiring competition not only within the sector but also from external industries due to the demanding nature of the profession. As one of the most established architecture firms in Singapore, RSP has developed a method to retain quality team members.
“Our winning formula in retaining top talents involves providing them a sense of purpose and a clear road map for growth and licensure. Apart from offering training in both professional and soft skills, we customise a development programme based on their position, domain strengths, and goals while allowing each of them space to hone their abilities,” shares Ng Meng Hui, Managing Director at RSP.
Singapore’s Most Notable Architects Under 40 from RSP
Samantha Wong, 35, RSP Associate
Having graduated with a Master of Architecture from the National University of Singapore, Samantha is a Registered Architect known for her balance of innovation and user-centric design. She seamlessly integrates regulatory requirements whilst prioritising sustainability and inclusivity. Her experience with EPIC Homes, where she built homes for Orang Asli families, deepened her commitment to community-focused architecture. Her key projects include Grand Park City Hall and Mandai Bird Paradise.
Jocelyn Yong, 36, RSP, Senior Associate
Jocelyn, with a Master’s in Architecture from the University of New South Wales and over a decade of experience, has shaped award-winning projects like the SIT Punggol Campus Court with Super Low Energy buildings. Her portfolio includes Mercure ICON Singapore City Centre, Alexandra Hospital Healing Campus, and Lions Home for Elders. Inspired by her childhood in under-resourced elder care, Jocelyn is dedicated to revolutionising healthcare design. She employs advanced technologies to create eco-friendly, community-focused spaces, driven by a commitment to societal impact.
Matthias Fabian Alexander, 37, RSP, Associate
Matthias, a Taylor’s University Architecture graduate, excels in collaborative design, integrating architects and engineers for project success. With a Green Mark Accredited Professional (GMAP) certification, he has worked in diverse sectors including institutional and residential developments. Key projects include the Dunearn 386 residential project, Angel Playing Cards Factory, and the National Archives Singapore. Matthias remains committed to advancing the architectural field through meticulous planning and innovative problem-solving.
Chin Qin You, 38, RSP, Associate
Qin You has refined her design skills through diverse projects, from high-end residential to large-scale commercial ventures. Previously focused on private residential projects, she now leads significant commercial and civic addition and alteration projects. She had a pivotal role in CapitaSpring, an iconic project that showcases her proficiency in blending innovative design with functional excellence. Qin You is dedicated to understanding how the built environment influences interpersonal dynamics, viewing design as a transformative force that shapes lifestyles and communal interactions.
Huijuan Lim, 39, RSP, Senior Associate
With over a decade of experience, Lim Huijuan is a dependable and driven architect, whose notable works include the Cyan condominium, Pavilion Park landed housing, One Holland Village mixed development, and MINDEF Annex. Huijuan excels in managing resources and delivering projects on time and within budget, always considering the end-user’s perspective to enhance design and functionality. Outside work, her passion for long-distance cycling and dragon-boating has honed her discipline and teamwork.
Md Shaziran Bin Md Shahabdeen, 39, RSP, Associate
Shaziran Shahabdeen is a creative and accommodating architect known for fulfilling client visions while navigating budget and site challenges. His project management excels in clear communication, using precise emails and graphical notes to ensure effective collaboration with consultants, contractors, and clients. Shazi skillfully analyses projects to prioritise tasks and manage timelines, contributing to major projects like Funan, One Holland Village commercial and residential development, St Regis Hotel and Service Residential A&A Works.
