Aman Nai Lert Residences, Bangkok: The Finest Address for Holistic Wellbeing

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Rising from the lush, private oasis that is Nai Lert Park in Central Bangkok, Aman Nai Lert Residences will not only offer an abundance of space in a peerless natural setting, they will also provide residents with state-of-the-art wellness facilities such as a medical grade spa.

Designed by Jean-Michel Gathy of Denniston International, the 36-storey building will comprise an Aman hotel, two world-class restaurants and a 1,500-square-metre Aman Integrative Wellness Centre that aims to be a haven of wellness that’s spread out over two floors. It will include a fully integrated medical spa with eight private rooms, an IV lounge for intravenous nutrient infusion therapy and other forms of preventative healthcare, conventional medical practices, TCM and personalised herbal remedies.

Aman Nai Lert Bangkok – Spa

The holistic spa on level 10 will offer an extensive array of hydrotherapy and movement facilities, beauty salon and a wellness lounge filled with healthy refreshments and herbal tonics made from herbs sourced from Nai Lert Park and the nearby organic gardens. Residents can also expect ultimate tranquility in the six single spa treatment rooms, a Russian steam room, private terrace, Jacuzzi and more, where they’ll enjoy a range of massages, facials, body polishes, wraps and other personalised spa experiences.

Furthermore, residents will also enjoy the exclusive facilities on the 30th floor, which include an infinity swimming pool, fitness centre, a Pilates and yoga studio, bubble bed and stunning views of the city. There will also be a Kids’ Club and childen’s swimming pool, with childcare services.

Due for completion in 2021, Aman Nai Lert Residences Bangkok will number no more than 50, offering a home within a very select community that’s immersed in the Aman lifestyle.

CapitaLand opens 250-metre-high glass-bottom Exploration Deck at Raffles City Chongqing to eager visitors

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Visitors treated to the thrills of walking in “mid-air” at the glass-bottom sky deck

One of the year’s most eagerly awaited attractions in China, the
250-metre-high Exploration Deck Viewing Gallery (Exploration Deck), a star feature of The Crystal sky bridge at Raffles City Chongqing, opened to the public last weekend. In addition to a 270-degree panorama of Chongqing’s skyline, visitors to the glass-bottom deck – the highest of its kind in Western China – are treated to the thrills of walking in “mid-air” while
admiring magnificent views of Yangtze River’s brown merging with Jialing River’s blue below their feet.

As part of crowd management, only 3,000 tickets are available daily currently. Almost all the available tickets in the opening weekend were snapped up. The enthusiastic response to the Exploration Deck echoed the successful opening of Raffles City Chongqing’s shopping mall
component, which welcomed over 900,000 shoppers during its opening weekend in September 2019.

Mr Lucas Loh, President, China, CapitaLand Group, said: “A vertically-built riverfront urban district, Raffles City Chongqing is a megastructure that took seven years to complete and The Crystal sky bridge is its key attraction. We are therefore heartened that the Exploration Deck, which is the first component of The Crystal sky bridge to be unveiled to the public, has been
well-received. The Exploration Deck is the first major attraction to launch in Chongqing since the lifting of the country’s nationwide lockdown and the public’s enthusiastic response is yet another encouraging sign of recovery in consumer sentiment. As a long-term real estate player in China, CapitaLand will continue to focus on delighting consumers with attractive and quality products and services, while working with our ecosystem partners to contribute towards the country’s economic recovery.”

Visitors to the Exploration Deck begin their journey at Level 1 with an exploration-themed exhibition, in collaboration with National Geographic. The first part of the exhibition introduces the history and development of Chongqing before leading visitors to the express elevator which takes about 52 seconds to reach the top. When the lift opens at Level 47, visitors are
transported to a futuristic world that imagines life on planet Mars. At the end of the exhibition, visitors enter a tranquil pocket park before stepping onto an open-air sky deck with see- through glass floor and exhilarating views.

The Exploration Deck is part of The Crystal, an enclosed sky bridge that is connected to six of Raffles City Chongqing’s eight skyscrapers – four 250-metre-tall skyscrapers at its base and two adjacent skyscrapers by cantilever bridges. This earned The Crystal the distinction as the
world’s highest sky bridge linking the most number of skyscrapers.

Measuring 300 metres in length, 32.5 metres in width and 26.5 metres in height with a total gross floor area of 10,000 square metres (sq m), The Crystal is also known as Raffles City Chongqing’s “horizontal skyscraper”. Apart from the Exploration Deck, The Crystal houses The Private Club, a members-only clubhouse with two swimming pools, and a wide range of
restaurants and bars at the Sky Garden. The Sky Garden is targeted to begin operations in 3Q 2020.

Erecting The Crystal was a feat of engineering that took about a year, starting from end 2017. The Crystal is made up of a continuous steel structure weighing 12,000 tons and enclosed with a ring comprising about 3,000 pieces of glass panels and close to 5,000 aluminium panels. To erect efficiently, the steel structure is first divided into nine segments – four
segments that are built in-situ above the four towers; three middle segments suspended between the four towers that are prefabricated on ground and hoisted into place by hydraulic strand jacks; and two cantilever segments that are assembled in short sections from the two ends of the rightmost and leftmost towers. Hoisting the three middle steel segments of The Crystal – each weighing up to 1,100 tons – to the designated height of 250 metres marked a world first.

Raffles City Chongqing is strategically located on Chaotianmen, a historic site overlooking the confluence of Yangtze and Jialing rivers in Yuzhong District. It is Singapore’s and CapitaLand’s single largest development in China at RMB24 billion (S$4.8 billion). The integrated development spans 1.12 million sq m and comprises a 235,000-sq m shopping mall, 150,000-sq m of Grade A office space, about 1,400 residential apartments, Ascott Raffles City Chongqing serviced residence and InterContinental Raffles City Chongqing hotel. The integrated development is connected to a major transport hub comprising ferry, subway and bus stations.

Space Matrix and IA Interior Architects Form Global Consortium

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Singapore-based Space Matrix and US-based IA Interior Architects are thrilled to announce that they have come together in a Strategic Partnership where two of the largest global design firms focussed on interiors for workplaces have joined forces to provide unparalleled design services and capabilities to serve its clients.

This partnership will include shared resources in a “Global Studio” with dedicated professionals, technologies, and expertise, all focussed on innovation and designing cutting edge interiors. The Global Studio connects over 1,400 professionals across 37 locations spanning the globe, allowing both firms to serve clients across six continents, in more than 60 countries, and in over 500 cities.

With Space Matrix headquartered in Singapore, the vibrant ecosystem and infrastructure promotes innovation and provides the right talent to meet the demands of global clients. The city-state’s position and connectedness to global markets over the years has seen major international banks, multinational organisations and financial institutions all over the world establish their branches in Singapore, often making the country the headquarters for Asia. 

“Our partnership creates a global platform that is unmatched in the industry and we are incredibly excited to be bringing this to our clients. Our clients look to us to provide thought leadership, create experiential workplaces that help build their brand, increase productivity and improve employee retention. That’s a big responsibility and hence for us, alignment was key. Alignment in core values, a culture of excellence and client servicing and we found all of those in IA not just at the leadership level but across the firm,” said Arsh Chaudhry, CEO, Space Matrix.

A recent survey by The American Chamber of Commerce of business impact in Singapore showed that 98% of US companies continue to hold long-term confidence in Singapore as a business hub in light of the current virus outbreak. Singapore also attracted investment commitments of S$15.2 billion in 2019 which reflects confidence from global companies in the nation as a trusted, strategic location at the heart of a growing Southeast Asia and the broader Asia-Pacific region.

“As Asian companies expand in the west and US companies continue their expansion across Asia, this partnership gives us the ability to provide global perspectives and solutions to our clients and marks the next phase of our growth journey as we spread our wings globally,” added Chaudhry.

“Both of our firms have a similar vision, complementary values, and a shared passion for interiors. That is what made this consortium the perfect fit – in reviewing our business, we had identified a gap in our capabilities to serve the APAC market.  Partnering with Space Matrix gives us the strongest platform to expand and bring our collective passion to this new market.,” shares David Bourke, IA’s Co-CEO/President.

IA and Space Matrix are forward-looking firms that never sit still. Together, the firms will be completing projects, sharing research, and hosting joint think tanks, all in an effort to expand its collective expertise and drive innovation. 

Pomeroy Academy Launches Sustainability Scholarship for Southeast Asia Built Environment Professionals

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Singapore’s Pomeroy Academy and The University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL), UK, today announced the launch of a new scholarship aimed at supporting Southeast Asia’s next sustainability leaders.

Open to Southeast Asia professionals looking to enrol at Cambridge University’s prestigious Interdisciplinary Design for the Built Environment (IDBE) Master’s degree, the Pomeroy Academy Scholarship for Interdisciplinary Design for the Built Environment will support one student per year from the Southeast Asia region who can demonstrate their interest in, and commitment to, the design and development of sustainable built environments.

The scholarship was created by award-winning architect, academic, and IDBE (cohort 10) alumnus Professor Jason Pomeroy, founding principal of Singapore-based designers and thought leaders of sustainable built environments, Pomeroy Studio, and sustainability researchers and educators, Pomeroy Academy. Professor Pomeroy attributes much of his success in forwarding the green agenda in Asia to the collaborative, interdisciplinary approach to creating sustainable built environment projects which is at the heart of the IDBE programme.

Supported by expert tutors and practitioners from academia and industry, the IDBE post-graduate programmes offers an interdisciplinary approach to learning for built environment professionals, structured around emerging trends, opportunities, and challenges within the built environment, covering sustainability and resilience, health and well-being, energy, efficiency, conservation, heritage, stakeholder engagement, politics and regulation.

“In the wake of population increases, climate change, globalisation and unpresented technological advancements in Asia and across the world, sustainability in the built environment has never been more crucial. As an alumnus, the IDBE course at CISL is close to my heart. It is now my privilege to support others in receiving the support and guidance they need to make a difference at policy level to achieve the common need for more sustainable, low energy, low water designs to enhance the lives of communities across the Southeast Asia region,” said Professor Pomeroy.

IDBE Course Director, Dr. Kayla Friedman commented: “Southeast Asia is expected to grow rapidly in the next 30 years while simultaneously being prone to a number of increasing climate risks. The region needs more built environment professionals with the knowledge and networks to drive change and ensure resilient future-proofed built environments.”

Professor Pomeroy added: “We are looking for the next Southeast Asia sustainability leaders who can make a real difference in the Southeast Asian region, so if you think you have the passion, drive and commitment to push the boundaries of sustainable design and research, we want to hear from you!”

To find out more about the Pomeroy Academy Scholarship for Interdisciplinary Design for the Built Environment, Click here, or visit Pomeroyacademy.sg

Settle Into The Newly Reimagined Wanderlust In Little India

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The newly reimagined Wanderlust, the latest flexible living concept from 8M Collective, is now open for bookings. Moving away from the rigid protocols and antiquated services at conventional hotels, Wanderlust is a conscientiously designed space for a new generation, welcoming all jaunts and journeys.

Retaining only the name of the original property, the new Wanderlust has undergone a complete transformation, merging old-world charm with essential modern-day comforts. Step through the adorned façade of original Peranakan tiles and feel instantly at home, entering the naturally peaceful and inviting lobby, a wonderful dichotomy to the vibrancy of the neighbourhood. Relax on the open-air terrace overlooking charming Dickson Road, taking in the bustling streets of Little India from a private oasis with a dipping pool, the perfect escape on a hot Singapore afternoon.

Just a few convenient steps from the Downtown MRT Line, Wanderlust offers the balance of being just minutes from the bustling city centre yet immersed in the historic urban montage of Little India. With a range of different room categories from spacious Lofts to comfortably appointed Studios, Wanderlust invites guests to take a break from the hectic pace of daily life and embrace the mindset of slow travel, making the lively neighbourhood a home away from home while soaking in the culture, colours and character of the multifaceted cityscape.

Embracing the select service model that has made KēSa House, in Keong Saik Road, a favourite among contemporary travellers, Wanderlust encourages guests to settle in and stay a while with a range of flexible rate packages and services depending on the desired length of stay. Amenities such as complimentary laundry service, fully furnished pantries and comfortable common spaces make Wanderlust an ideal refuge whether you’re checking in to relax, work or play.

Settle In

The Loft category on the top floor of the heritage property, provides space to relax and hide away, with a lofted double bed to accommodate a separate living space. Your private urban retreat, the spacious Wanderlust Loft is elegantly appointed with natural finishes, textural overlays and a kitchenette for convenient in-room meals. Striking the perfect chord between classic comforts and modern essentials, the Wanderlust Junior Loft offers a living space and kitchenette alongside enhanced modern fittings and functionalities.

The Studio category is ideal for the modern traveller seeking new perspectives. For a bit more space, the Wanderlust Studio delivers contemporary and homelike living with a stylish, cleverly constructed interior and kitchenette. Expertly designed with comfort in mind, the Wanderlust Junior Studio also features a kitchenette for everyday convenience along with enhanced functionalities.

Perfect for the intrepid traveller seeking a refined respite from the hustle and bustle, the Wanderlust Room offers everything you need and nothing you don’t. Enjoy a luxurious double bed, cosy fittings and a quiet view overlooking the streets of Little India.

Savour the Moment

With kitchenettes in the majority of rooms, Wanderlust offers the opportunity to explore the local markets with its eclectic flavours and ingredients and prepare a home cooked meal in the comfort of your own space.

You can grab essentials at the in-house Mama Shop that offers a hand-picked assortment of locally sourced brands and staples with ample selection for the health conscious. Enjoy a taste of Singapore with items such as craft beer from The Guild, artisan cold brew and tea from Made Cold, gluten free treats from The Whole Kitchen and kombucha from Yocha.

And in true 8M Collective style, Wanderlust will also offer an amazing in-house restaurant and bar – Kotuwa, opening in April 2020. Helmed by Michelin-starred chef Rishi Naleendra of local dining destinations Cloudstreet and Cheek Bistro (formerly Cheek by Jowl), Kotuwa will celebrate Sri Lankan flavours, culture, people and hospitality.

The newly reimagined Wanderlust opens its doors

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The newly reimagined Wanderlust, the latest flexible living concept from 8M Collective, is now open for bookings. Moving away from the rigid protocols and antiquated services at conventional hotels, Wanderlust is a conscientiously designed space for a new generation, welcoming all jaunts and journeys.

Retaining only the name of the original property, the new Wanderlust has undergone a complete transformation, merging old-world charm with essential modern-day comforts. Step through the adorned façade of original Peranakan tiles and feel instantly at home, entering the naturally peaceful and inviting lobby, a wonderful dichotomy to the vibrancy of the neighbourhood. Relax on the open-air terrace overlooking charming Dickson Road, taking in the bustling streets of Little India from a private oasis with a dipping pool, the perfect escape on a hot Singapore afternoon.

Just a few convenient steps from the Downtown MRT Line, Wanderlust offers the balance of being just minutes from the bustling city centre yet immersed in the historic urban montage of Little India. With a range of different room categories from spacious Lofts to comfortably appointed Studios, Wanderlust invites guests to take a break from the hectic pace of daily life and embrace the mindset of slow travel, making the lively neighbourhood a home away from home while soaking in the culture, colours and character of the multifaceted cityscape.

Embracing the select service model that has made KēSa House, in Keong Saik Road, a favourite among contemporary travellers, Wanderlust encourages guests to settle in and stay a while with a range of flexible rate packages and services depending on the desired length of stay. Amenities such as complimentary laundry service, fully furnished pantries and comfortable common spaces make Wanderlust an ideal refuge whether you’re checking in to relax, work or play.

With kitchenettes in the majority of rooms, Wanderlust offers the opportunity to explore the local markets with its eclectic flavours and ingredients and prepare a home cooked meal in the comfort of your own space.

You can grab essentials at the in-house Mama Shop that offers a hand-picked assortment of locally sourced brands and staples with ample selection for the health conscious. Enjoy a taste of Singapore with items such as craft beer from The Guild, artisan cold brew and tea from Made Cold, gluten free treats from The Whole Kitchen and kombucha from Yocha.

And in true 8M Collective style, Wanderlust will also offer an amazing in-house restaurant and bar – Kotuwa, opening in April 2020. Helmed by Michelin-starred chef Rishi Naleendra of local dining destinations Cloudstreet and Cheek Bistro (formerly Cheek by Jowl), Kotuwa will celebrate Sri Lankan flavours, culture, people and hospitality.

Five Design Trends You’ll See in 2020

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What a fulfilling 2019 it has been for the design community! We saw the sixth edition of the Singapore Design Week, which incorporated over 80 programmes and more than 70 partners. We also witnessed the Singapore Design Award’s (SDA) 30th anniversary, honouring outstanding designers from across the world and maintaining its position as the leading design award in Southeast Asia.

As we approach the end of this meaningful year, we raise our heads and look to welcome the year of 2020. Design is subjective and its trends are ever-evolving. Thus, it is important for us to spot these trends and stay ahead of our game. The bathroom is a crucial place in the home to analyse, as modern homes are beginning to place a huge emphasis on the quality of bathrooms. The better the design of the bathroom, the better the design of the home as a whole.

Below, we identify the upcoming design trends in the bathroom, as well as emerging elements such as technology and innovation as part of design:

The bathroom is one more area of the home where traditional boundaries are dissolving

This makes it a part of the home living space. Just as kitchens have merged with the living rooms to create a new social space, so has bathrooms co-joined with bedrooms to offer a private retreat. This requires more attention to be paid to the design, so that the lighting, colours and materials chosen reflect the room’s changing status.

These spaces are essential to the modern consumer today and must not only be functional, it has to cater to individual style and preference as well. With urbanisation, space is becoming scarce and while many people still want a bathtub so they can luxuriate uninterrupted in a long, hot soak, they typically have it only if space permits.

There’s no doubting the allure of a Japanese, hot spring-inspired soak in a bathtub such as one from the INAX S600 LINE. But that’s not the only way to enjoy a restorative hydrotherapy session at home, now that spa experiences are also built into showers.

Digital solutions create a more sensory experience

It also allows for the customisation of functions for a personalised touch. High-tech faucets, smart toilets and 3D metal-printed fixtures are just a handful of examples. The new GROHE Euphoria SmartControl shower system allows consumers to tailor their own experiences at the touch of a button.

Depending on your mood, or time of the day, you can choose a powerful, invigorating spray for an energising start to the morning, or unwind with a relaxing, ‘soft as summer rain’ spray in the evening. The technology ensures that the water temperature too, stays precisely as you like it.

To achieve the desired relaxing ambience and to cater to an increasing need for more convenience and comfort in the bathroom, everything within the space should be intuitive and easy to use. Consumers do not want to have to fiddle with different controls.

The Internet of Things (IoT) is something to keep an eye out for in 2020

It is where consumers link living equipment and sensors to provide themselves with convenience and security. Some advantages of utilising IoT is to visualise energy and water usage, obtain notification of accidents in the bathroom and autonomous control over windows and lightings.

The future smart home will contain several IoT appliances, all detecting human’s behavior and intention. In the case of LIXIL, the GROHE Sense Guard will immediately shut off the household’s water supply whenever a burst pipe or flooded cellar is detected.

Determining the right choice and combination of colours is paramount

In terms of colour choice, white is clean, minimal and timeless, but with comfort, an overarching design goal of bathroom design. New textures are creeping in, such as woodgrain or even authentic wood finishes and earthy tones that are best applied on vanities, fittings and ceramics.

These can add warmth and softness to the necessary hard elements like tiles and tapware. Speaking of which, more and more people are beginning to appreciate tapware with sophisticated colours, finishes and textures, enabling the homeowner to craft a unique statement in their private bathing retreat.

Technology in the bathroom is the key to hygiene

Aside from smart solutions, bathrooms are beginning to integrate advanced fundamental solutions such as flushing technologies, antibacterial technologies, etc. The bathroom may be a retreat for homeowners, but it is also the space where most bacteria are found.

To keep our bathrooms safe, clean and hygienic, it is key for manufacturers to commit and invest resources in innovative hygiene technology for the health of its consumers. American Standard does so by having its HygieneClean System – the new standard of safety in the bathroom, delivered by its powerful flushing technologies plus cutting-edge innovations of Aqua Ceramic and ComfortClean.

Aqua Ceramic is a super-hydrophillic technology which prevents dirt and stains from sticking to ceramic surfaces while ComfortClean involves a revolutionary ceramic glaze of zinc oxide which effectively kills bacteria in the toilet bowl. This is the wonder of technology in the bathroom.

By Antoine Besseyre des Horts, Vice President of Design at LIXIL Water Technology Asia

Raffles Hotel Singapore Officially Reopens

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Raffles Hotel Singapore recently announced its highly anticipated reopening, heralding an exciting new chapter in the iconic property’s rich history and heritage. A flagship property within Accor, the world’s leading augmented hospitality group, Raffles Hotel Singapore is now welcoming guests and visitors, following the iconic hotel’s careful and sensitive three-phased restoration, which began in February 2017.

The Grand Lobby. Image from facebook.com/raffleshotelsingapore

“There are few hotels in the world whose names have become virtually synonymous with the cities in which they are located – and none more so than the Raffles Hotel in Singapore. The newly restored Raffles will provide an experience like no other,” said Christian Westbeld, General Manager, Raffles Hotel Singapore. “It is our wish and desire that our guests will continue to create treasured memories at the hotel, while rediscovering what makes it so special – the distinctive architecture, heritage and legendary service.”

The meticulous restoration led by acclaimed interior designer Alexandra Champalimaud was also supported by Aedas, a leading global architecture and design firm. Together, the designers created a refreshed social haven that delivers a compelling mix of culture, beauty and gentility. Exquisite new suite categories, vibrant lifestyle experiences and exclusive dining concepts are designed for international visitors and Singaporeans to meet, stay, shop, dine and celebrate.

Discerning travellers can expect new levels of unrivalled comfort and inimitable service with enhanced suite experience, brought to life by the fabled Raffles Butlers, while enjoying the new and reimagined spaces at Raffles Hotel Singapore.

Jeannette Ho, Vice President, Raffles Brand and Strategic Relationships, Raffles Hotels and Resorts, commented, “We are very pleased to be part of the reopening of the iconic Raffles Hotel Singapore officially returning to the city, refreshed, reimagined and revitalised. This is where it all started and faithful to its roots, Raffles Hotel Singapore reinvents emotional luxury. As the hotel concludes its restoration and embarks on the next chapter, the return of this flagship property to Raffles Hotels & Resorts paves the way for the expansion of the brand as we deliver this same level of unparalleled service and sublime experiences to new destinations in cities such as Udaipur, London and Boston.”

The revitalised Raffles Hotel Singapore offers luxurious all-suite accommodations, across nine distinct suite categories: State Room Suites, Courtyard Suites, Palm Court Suites, Personality Suites, Residence Suites, Promenade Suites, Grand Hotel Suites and Presidential Suites. Residence, Promenade and Studio suites, are the three latest additions to the hotel’s existing line-up. The total suite count increases from 103 suites to 115 suites.

One of the hotel’s luxuriously spacious suites. Image from facebook.com/raffleshotelsingapore

The Raffles Arcade has been newly outfitted with a charming Raffles Boutique and various bespoke retail brands. Guests and locals will also delight in exploring the worldly restaurants and bars at Raffles Hotel Singapore, including restaurant collaborations with Chef Anne- Sophie Pic, of the three-Michelin star Maison Pic in Valence, France; venerable French Master Chef Alain Ducasse; and Chef Jereme Leung, known for his innovative Chinese cooking. At the refreshed Long Bar, travellers will continue to enjoy the hotel’s most famous cocktail, the original Singapore Sling, along with the timeless tradition of tossing peanut shells on the floor.

Christian further added, “Raffles Hotel Singapore is one of the few remaining great 19th century hotels in the world and its restoration has been carefully designed to preserve its unique historic charm, while creating extraordinary experiences for our esteemed guests – a dedicated commitment from all of us at Raffles Hotel Singapore and also from our owner, Katara Hospitality.”

First opened in 1887, and declared a National Monument a century later by the Singapore Government in 1987, Raffles Hotel Singapore has through the years, gained both local and international recognition as an oasis for the well-travelled. It is a national treasure among Singaporeans who deeply value its historical significance and unique heritage. The last restoration was conducted from 1989 to 1991 where the hotel closed for two and a half years.

Kimberly-Clark Switches On One of Singapore’s Largest Solar Roofs at Tuas

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Earlier this year, Kimberly-Clark Corporation switched on one of Singapore’s largest solar energy installations at its manufacturing facility in Tuas, which produces Huggies diapers and baby wipes. 7,730 photovoltaic panels mounted on its roof will generate 3.5 Gigawatt hours of clean energy, enough to power up a thousand three-bedroom HDB flats for a year.

With this investment, renewable energy will now replace 15 percent of conventional energy use at the plant, reducing Green House Gas emissions (GHGs) by approximately 1,600 metric tons per year. This is equivalent to removing nearly 350 passenger cars from roads annually.

Kimberly-Clark’s Tuas plant has a long track record of reducing its environmental footprint. In 2016, it launched an in-house wastewater treatment plant that recycles 75 percent of the water used in its wet wipes production. Since 2017, it has partnered with Ngee Ann polytechnic researchers to find utility for material waste generated during its production process, as part of its broader efforts to re-use or recycle 100 percent of its waste.

At a ceremony held to inaugurate its solar roof, Achal Agarwal, President, Kimberly- Clark Asia Pacific, said “Our manufacturing operations in Singapore have long been recognized as a leader in environmental protection. Switching on this solar roof marks a new milestone in our sustainability journey and accelerates our progress towards our goal of achieving a 20 percent reduction in GHG emissions globally, by 2022.”

Mr Masagos Zulkifli, Singapore’s Minister for the Environment and Water Resources, was the guest of honour at the inauguration. He said, “I am glad to see enterprises such as Kimberly-Clark Corporation step up efforts to adopt renewable energy. Sustainable development is not just central to the mitigation of climate change and protection of the environment. When thoughtfully incorporated, it can benefit business operations and reduce costs in the long run.”

The solar roof panels were installed in partnership with Singapore-based solar energy provider Sunseap, which has played an instrumental role in the development of many grid-connected PV systems, pioneering the solar energy movement in Singapore.

“We are pleased to work with Kimberly-Clark in their efforts to go green. As the leading integrated clean energy solutions provider in Singapore, we encourage all companies to look for ways to be environmentally friendly in their business. There are various measures companies can take to reduce their carbon footprint including tapping renewable energy for their operations and going paperless in their day-to-day work,” said Frank Phuan, CEO and Executive Director, Sunseap Group.

IBEW 2019 Galvanises Industry to Create Smarter, More Sustainable People-First Cities

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To meet the pressing and diverse needs of Asia-Pacific’s built environment industry, the International Built Environment Week (IBEW 2019) organized by the Building Construction Authority of Singapore (BCA) will feature four dynamic anchor tradeshows from 4 to 6 September 2019.

The new all-in-one tradeshow platform will cover the entire built environment value chain. The shows have been specially curated to showcase the industry’s technological prowess and accelerate the transformation towards a more sustainable, smart and efficient built environment.

Tradeshows include: BEX Asia covering the sustainability and integrated design and planning space, Innobuild (IB) Asia focusing on construction 4.0, Mostra Convegno Expocomfort (MCE) Asia zooming in on energy efficient solutions and renewable energy, and Smart Cities and Buildings (SCB) Asia featuring the latest digital advances in the construction sector.

Themed “Transforming the Way We Build,” IBEW 2019 is the first fully integrated built environment event and the largest in the Asia Pacific region. The tradeshows’ 12,000 expected visitors will be able to meet and network with over 550 exhibiting companies over the three exhibition days.

Showcasing the latest solutions in construction productivity and resource-efficiency at IB Asia 2019 are industry heavyweights Autodesk, Cementaid, FINALCAD, George Fischer, Greyform, Jurong Port, Makita, Natsteel, Oracle and Robert Bosch and many more. Falling under the IBEW umbrella for the first time this year, IB Asia will be a key driver in improving the construction sector’s performance in the productivity arena. Taking centrestage will be products and solutions in the following areas: pre-fabricated and prefinished volumetric construction (PPVC), integrated construction supply chains, underground construction, building and systems management and data analytics software. IB Asia will also feature a one-of-kind drone demonstration showcasing the use of technology in construction.

Bob Chan, Chief Executive Officer of exhibiting company Greyform said, “With IBEW 2019 less than a month away, we are excited to bring our expertise and solutions in prefabrication to the event. Driving productivity and innovation in the built environment sector requires stakeholders to collaboratively solve challenges. As the only end-to-end event that brings players ranging from consultants and contractors to building owners, developers and planners into the conversation, we believe that IBEW is the right platform for creating holistic change. We’re confident that we will leave the event inspired by new ideas and with fresh opportunities to explore.”

Sustainability will feature heavily on the agenda at BEX Asia 2019, with key exhibitors such at AGC, Airmaze, Glass Matrix, Leisure Pools Manufacturing, Mapei Far East, Noise Plaster, ST Engineering, USG Boral and many more shining a spotlight on green practices across the built environment lifecycle including in sustainable design and new architectural materials.

At BEX Asia, world-class industry showcases will offer a glimpse into the future of the sector. Visitors can experience an inspiring display of the heights the industry can reach at the BuildSG Pavilion, developed by the BCA Singapore in collaboration with more than 20 companies. The Pavilion will host a series of experiential and participatory exhibits highlighting today’s best practices and tomorrow’s innovation across the building life cycle – from project conceptualisation to building completion, and looking beyond into the future.

SCB Asia will encapsulate the finest in smart technologies, key to creating intelligent, human-centric cities of the future. Exhibiting companies include: Anixter, Bridgetek, CommScope, Deltek, Graesslin, LEFA Technologies, MCC Land, Mirs Innovate, Tridium, and Omniflow. Visitors to SCB Asia can also experience how cities of the future can be transformed into a more liveable, connected and sustainable environment through the ‘Experience Bosch Ville’ exhibit. This showcase by engineering and technology consultant Robert Bosch details how the company is actively working with cities, neighborhoods and businesses to make mobility seamless and industries efficient, all while increasing convenience and security.

On the MCE Asia 2019 show floor, industry leaders in the water, energy efficiency and HVAC-R sector such as Aggreko, Camfil, Daikin, ebm-papst, KM Marketing (exclusive distributor for Mitsubishi Heavy Industries air-conditioners), Reflex Winkelmann, SMARDT Chillers and Winfinity (authorized sole agent for Fujitsu General Asia) will present their latest innovations to maximise building efficiency and energy operations. At MCE Asia, delegates can expect to meet like-minded professionals dedicated to creating unique, technology-driven solutions to the energy efficiency challenges faced by the sector today.

Forging Meaningful Connections and Insightful Conversations
Designed to catalyse change by fostering meaningful conversations and continually create diverse learning opportunities for all professionals, the tradeshows will also feature complimentary seminars covering topics across the built environment ecosystem.

Seminars include Green View, covering the latest trends in sustainable building solutions; Digital Rally, highlighting innovations in the construction and operation of next-generation cities and buildings, and Energy Xchange, showcasing energy-efficient HVAC-R, sanitary, plumbing and solar energy solutions.

Louise Chua, Project Director, Reed Exhibitions said, “We are delighted to have all these esteemed speakers come on board to contribute their expertise on the wide range of issues affecting the built environment industry. To successfully transform Asia’s burgeoning built environment ecosystem, knowledge sharing and the cross-pollination of ideas is essential. We have developed the 2019 editions of our Green View and Energy Xchange seminars with this aim and added on the Digital Rally seminars to underscore the importance of creating a tech-enabled environment, uncover emerging trends and create even further avenues for change.”

For more information, visit www.ibew.sg.