Diriyah Company, the dynamic mixed-use developer behind the transformation of Diriyah, The City of Earth, has awarded a SAR 758.5 Million ($202.2 million) contract to China Harbour Engineering Company to undertake bulk excavation works in Diriyah’s second phase. The excavation works will cover most of the area of the second phase of the Diriyah project, which spans approximately 6.3 square kilometres, out of the total 14-square-kilometre development area.
The excavation works will see more than 600 heavy machines deployed on-site to carry out the work, shaping the site according to design specifications and providing a foundation for the development of planned world-class assets in Diriyah. These include the Royal Diriyah Opera House and the 20,000-seat Diriyah Arena.
According to international sustainability guidelines, Diriyah Company will embrace circular economy principles, as materials from the excavation site will be crushed and repurposed for uses such as road bases, landscaping, and backfill. By embedding international best practices, innovative technologies, and sustainability certification targets in all our projects, Diriyah Company aims to enhance environmental performance and sustainability credentials at the community and building levels.
Jerry Inzerillo, Group CEO of Diriyah Company, said: “We are excited to begin bulk excavation works in the second phase of the Diriyah project, marking another key milestone in the development of ‘The City of Earth’. Progressing ahead of schedule, this excavation will enable the smooth and efficient development of major cultural assets that will attract millions of visitors annually to Diriyah and inspire the world. As we move forward in creating a premier live-work-play destination, we encourage partners to join us on this journey.”
Yang Zhiyuan, CEO of China Harbour Engineering Company Ltd (Middle East), commented: “We are honored to collaborate with Diriyah Company on the execution of the Bulk Excavation Works project. We are confident in the success of this project, integrating the advantages of global resources, technical strength, equipment resources and an experienced management team. We will focus on environmental protection awareness and sustainable development concepts during implementation, ensuring the timely delivery of the project, contributing to the preservation of Diriyah’s heritage, cultural exchange and the development goals of Saudi Vision 2030.”
The large-scale contract is the latest awarded this year by Diriyah Company, following a $1.55 billion joint venture for Qurain Cultural District, awarded last month in November; a $2.08 billion contract for the Northern District, awarded in July; and another contract worth $2.13 billion to build four luxury hotels and Royal Diriyah Equestrian & Polo Club in Wadi Safar, also in July.
This excavation contract marks another key milestone in the realization of the Diriyah masterplan, showcasing the rapid progress of the 14-sq km integrated urban development project. The Diriyah Company is responsible for the Diriyah and the Wadi Safar masterplans, which encompass more than 40 hotels, arts districts, museums, and world-class sporting venues within a vibrant new global destination on the outskirts of Riyadh, the capital city of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Surbana Jurong Group (SJ) and Independent Business Group Sweden AB have entered into a strategic partnership to provide consultancy services for sustainable aviation projects and technologically advanced air transport systems. Leveraging the complementary strengths of both companies, the partnership aims to advance the adoption of green innovations in the aviation sector.
SJ, a global urban, infrastructure, and managed services consulting firm, brings deep expertise in the development of airports, terminal buildings, surrounding infrastructure, and airport city projects, with extensive experience in the delivery of sustainable solutions globally. Some of its notable aviation projects include the King Abdulaziz International Airport in Saudi Arabia, Noida International Airport in India, and Changi Airport Terminal 5 in Singapore.
Independent Business Group, with its proven track record in airspace and procedure design, safety assurance, project management, airports, Air Traffic Management systems, and Communication, Navigation, and Surveillance equipment, will contribute its technical expertise to the partnership.
Sean Chiao, Group Chief Executive Officer, SJ, said, “SJ’s partnership with Independent Business Group reflects a transforming aviation sector, marked by a growing consciousness and commitment to sustainability, and the adoption of supporting smart technologies. SJ’s expertise in sustainable design and engineering, alongside Independent Business Group’s industry insights, will enable our joint efforts at accelerating the development of green aviation hubs and sustainable infrastructure.”
Ulf Rudebark, Group Chief Executive Officer, Independent Business Group, said, “Our shared vision and aligned capabilities will support the growing demand for sustainable aviation practices and infrastructure. As countries increase their focus on advancements in airspace management, there is a rising need to improve the efficiency of flight procedures, enhance safety measures, and reduce carbon emissions. Together with SJ, we are committed to driving these advancements towards efficiency, sustainability and safety in the aviation sector.”
The partnership was formalised with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that took place during the Singapore-Sweden Royal Business Forum. Held in Singapore on 20 November, the event was attended by King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden during his first state visit to Singapore, and distinguished representatives from the Singapore and Swedish governments.
Far East Hospitality has launched its first serviced residence, Quincy House Singapore, under the Quincy brand. Opened on 1 October 2024, the residence offers an authentic taste of the Singaporean lifestyle with city-centre conveniences and excellent accessibility.
The Quincy brand is known for being extraordinary, experimental and experiential. At Quincy, each guest is treated as an individual with unique needs, preferences and quirks. Through a highly anticipatory service approach, the brand curates personalised experiences for non-conformist travellers, providing a place where guests can engage in meaningful interactions and be themselves – embodying the Quincy ethos of “Be Yourself at Quincy”.
A Great Location to Discover Singapore
Quincy House is situated in the upscale Holland Village precinct, a mere ten-minute car ride from the city centre. It is conveniently located near business hubs, such as one-north and Buona Vista, renowned for their focus on high technology and innovation. Guests have easy access to a vibrant mix of local eateries, fine dining, stylish retail boutiques, and diverse entertainment options, making Quincy House an ideal base for both expatriates and locals alike.
Designed for Solo Business Travellers
Far East Hospitality recognises a growing trend among solo business travellers who are staying for extended periods, with a 12 percent year-on-year increase in bookings for stays exceeding six days between August 2022 and July 2024. In response to this market demand, Quincy House introduces well-appointed Deluxe Rooms with ensuite bathrooms – a first for our serviced residences – designed to cater to the needs of urban professionals. Enjoy the comfort and convenience of our pragmatically priced Deluxe Rooms, while enjoying our exceptional facilities and prime location.
Serviced Apartments for Expatriates and Small Families
Quincy House offers a selection of spacious One-Bedroom Deluxe, Two-Bedroom Superior and Two-Bedroom Deluxe apartments, with pet-friendly options available. Whether singles, couples or relocating expatriates and their families, each apartment is designed for maximum comfort and space, with thoughtfully curated living areas and elegant, functional furniture. These apartments offer ample private and shared spaces, ensuring a comfortable and stylish stay.
Be Yourself at Quincy
Offering a personalised guest experience, which begins before arrival conveniently through email or WhatsApp, guests can connect with their Quincy Qurator – a knowledgeable guide who can customise their stay with insider tips and tailored experiences – and share preferences or special requests prior in advance.
Upon arrival at Quincy House’s reception lobby on level 2, guests are greeted with a choice of Quincy juice shots, and a Quincy Qurate Neighbourhood Guide featuring three complementing tracks – Style, Chill and Wow – that reflect different personalities and preferences. Whether guests are looking for cultural exploration, savour life’s finer moments, or high-energy excitement, Quincy House has something to offer for everyone.
Spearheading the effort to decarbonise real estate across China, Hang Lung Properties Limited is using nearly 100 percent low carbon emissions steel for all above-ground structural plates (to be manufactured into columns and beams) and reinforcing bars of its Pavilion Extension at its flagship Plaza 66 mall in Shanghai. This marks the first commercial real estate project in mainland China to incorporate low carbon emissions steel, sourced from Baoshan Iron & Steel Co., Ltd. (Baosteel), achieving a 35 percent reduction in the steel’s embodied carbon compared to conventional steel alternatives.
Real estate accounts for more than 38 percent of China’s total annual carbon dioxide emissions. In Hang Lung’s case, steel emissions accounted for approximately 40 percent of its total embodied carbon emissions in 2023, making steel decarbonisation essential for achieving its goal of reducing its scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions. Hang Lung’s low carbon emissions steel transaction with Baosteel is an example of how leadership in real estate can help China reach its goal of carbon neutrality by 2060.
Baosteel will supply 1,171 tonnes of its BeyondECO® low carbon emissions structural steel and 325 tonnes of BeyondECO® low carbon emissions reinforcing bars for the Plaza 66 Pavilion Extension project, which is now underway and due for completion in 2026.
“The steel procurement in our Plaza 66 Pavilion Extension project is an exciting moment for Hang Lung,” said Mr. Adriel Chan, Chair of Hang Lung Properties. “Thanks to our collaboration with Baosteel, a leader in steel decarbonisation in China, as well as with other industry partners, we have set a new benchmark for steel emissions reductions in the real estate sector. Hang Lung will continue to implement sustainable practices across our value chain, including the application of low carbon emissions steel on other development projects, such as Westlake 66 in Hangzhou.”
To meet Hang Lung’s stringent low carbon emissions steel tender specifications for the project, the main contractor and Baosteel collaborated closely to provide accurate product-level carbon emissions data with the Company. This collaboration set a new industry standard for transparent, traceable and trusted emissions data. Baosteel calculated the products’ carbon footprint through Baosteel intelligent Carbon Data platform using a lifecycle analysis model developed by Shanghai E-Carbon Digital Technology Co., Ltd. (EC-Digital). This data was verified by TÜV SÜD, a global third-party certification body.
The eBook showcases over 40 iconic engineering projects, corresponding to 17 UNSDGs, in both the public and private sectors in Hong Kong over the years and provides insights into their distinctive features and advanced technologies from engineers’ perspectives. Through this informative publication, the HKIE hopes to deepen understanding of UNSDGs in the industry and wider society and inspire collaborative efforts and active participation from all stakeholders to support sustainable development.
HKIE President Ir Eric MA said, “The UNSDGs aim to promote prosperity while protecting the planet. Engineering plays a major role in achieving many of the UNSDGs. Through the launch of Engineered for Sustainability: Hong Kong’s Contribution to United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, we hope to strengthen understanding among members of the public as well as within the engineering sector of how various engineering disciplines can integrate environmental, social and economic considerations into their practices. The engineering industry is in a unique position to lead sustainable development through actively collaborating across the aspects of engineering design, construction, renovation, operation and reuse, using electronic control systems, IoT, promoting new industrialisation, autonomous vehicle technology, sustainable energy systems, etc.”
“Last week, Vice President Ir Prof Frank CHAN led a delegation to the UN Climate Change Conference – COP29, where he shared the efforts taken by Hong Kong’s engineering industry to address the challenges of climate change, including strengthening the resilience and sustainability of urban infrastructure. The HKIE will continue to champion sustainable development, including continued updates of the eBook and encouraging industry sharing of sustainable projects, empowering engineers to put UNSDGs into practice as part of our commitment to building a better and more sustainable future for the planet,” President MA added.
The International Engineering Alliance (IEA) resolved the proposed changes of IEA Graduate Attributes and Professional Competencies (GAPCs) to align with the UNSDGs in 2021. As a Member of IEA, the HKIE will review its Graduate Attributes for accrediting engineering programmes and its Competence Standards for admitting members to factor in the UNSDGs. The reviews are in the pipeline and the new HKIE Graduate Attributes and Competence Standards are planned for implementation in 2026/27.
In addition, the HKIE is currently holding a cover design competition for the publication, Engineered for Sustainability: Hong Kong’s Contribution to United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The competition aims to encourage members and the public to actively engage with the UNSDGs by participating in the creation of the eBook. The winning entry may become the cover of the future edition of this publication.
The deadline for submission is 5pm on 31 December 2024.
Click here for more information on the submission or click here to download the eBook.
Meinhardt Japan marked a significant milestone with the celebration of its third anniversary, hosting an exclusive event that brought together close to 150 industry stalwarts including developers, government officials, technology players, Meinhardt Group Global Board Members and management staff. Held in Tokyo on 8 October 2024, the anniversary celebration highlighted Meinhardt Japan’s rapid growth, the unveiling of groundbreaking innovations, and the company’s strategic vision for the future.
The celebration also commemorated the broader achievements of the Meinhardt Group as it looks forward to its 70th anniversary in 2025. With a strong focus on innovation, cross-border collaboration, and digital transformation, the event served as a platform for announcing Meinhardt Japan’s continued expansion in the Japanese market and beyond.
Among the distinguished attendees were government officials and key industry leaders. The presence of Mr Low Hon Mun, Deputy Chief of Mission of the Singapore Embassy in Japan, underscored the importance of cross-national collaboration, while senior executives from Japan’s leading general contractors and design consultancies added further gravitas to the occasion.
The event provided a unique opportunity for Meinhardt Group’s leadership team, including over 20 representatives from the company, to engage directly with key clients and partners, fostering new business opportunities and strengthening existing relationships.
In his keynote address, Dr Shahzad Nasim, Executive Chairman of Meinhardt Group, delivered an impactful speech that not only reflected on Meinhardt Japan’s journey over the past few years but also outlined the plans for the future. He highlighted Meinhardt Japan’s evolution since its founding in February 2022, noting how the office has grown into a first-class consultancy with a dedicated team of specialists in architectural, structural, and MEP (mechanical, electrical, and plumbing) design backed up by the full weight of the group’s global resources.
“We certainly did not come to Japan to teach anything new to Japanese companies who are known internationally for their innovation, high quality and attention to detail. We are here to strengthen and leverage our existing relationships with Japanese companies to extend and expand our collaboration both in Japan and globally, where Meinhardt has a strong presence, people and expertise. This is a win-win proposition. Japan is facing what most developed countries are facing – a shortage of skilled manpower. Meinhardt will utilise its global expertise and more than 6000 technical staff to support Japanese companies in design, BIM modelling and production of drawings for their projects both in Japan and abroad. Our strong presence here will make this collaboration easier. Our bilingual engineering team, combined with dedicated access to global talent, positions us as an ideal partner for Japanese companies to collaborate,” said Dr Nasim in his speech.
“This paves the way for collaboration on bigger, more complex and technology projects, such as high-tech industrial projects, mission-critical facilities, high-rise buildings, smart cities and major infrastructure projects, where Meinhardt has an enviable reputation. Our focus on digital planning, technology and data-driven design, positions us to deliver sustainable cities of the future. We are here for the long term and are committed to playing a key role in Japan’s dynamic engineering landscape,” he added.
One of the highlights of the evening was the introduction of Meinhardt Digital Technology Solutions’ (DTS) groundbreaking Generative AI engine. Developed under the Trailblazers 2.0 programme – spearheaded by the Communications and Information Ministry, Digital Industry Singapore, the Smart Nation Group and Google Cloud – and supported by Singapore’s Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), this new Consultancy Augmentation Tool is instrumental to Meinhardt’s ongoing digital transformation. The platform assists with the streamlining and enhancement of the production of consultancy deliverables.
“This AI-powered tool is designed to amalgamate Meinhardt’s tremendous domain knowledge and practical experience across the world to position Meinhardt as a pioneer in leveraging AI to redefine the consulting landscape. We believe this tool will address various challenges faced by project delivery teams, creating a more connected and intuitive consulting environment, and underscoring Meinhardt’s commitment to innovation and digitalisation,” said Mr Omar Shahzad, CEO of Meinhardt Group.
A key theme of the event was Meinhardt Japan’s role as a bridge between Japan and the global market. Through cross-border collaboration, Meinhardt Japan has successfully integrated the expertise of the multi-disciplinary Meinhardt Group to bring the latest international design trends into local projects. This collaboration has been crucial to overcoming Japan’s skilled labour shortage by tapping into Meinhardt’s global talent pool, ensuring projects are delivered on time and to the highest quality standards. The event also provided an opportunity for Meinhardt Japan to share its vision for the future.
“We are proud of our cross-border design collaboration. This approach has enabled us to work on projects like the US and UK pavilions for the Osaka Expo 2025, which not only showcases our technical capabilities but also highlights the strength of our international partnerships. Looking ahead, Meinhardt Japan plans to expand its services in key industrial sectors, including data centres, where the company has already begun taking on substantial projects for major players. Additionally, Meinhardt Japan is extending its services locally to include façade design & testing and commissioning, while supporting Japanese companies in their overseas ventures by providing comprehensive design and on-site engineering solutions,” said Mr Kazuhiko Ono, CEO for Meinhardt Japan.
“In alignment with Meinhardt Group’s recognition as a Centre of Excellence for smart cities in Singapore, Meinhardt Japan is committed to merging Singapore’s smart city frameworks with Japan’s technological prowess. This collaboration will pave the way for new benchmarks in urban development and create opportunities for innovative, data-driven solutions in third countries,” he added.
Beyond the celebrations, the visit of several Meinhardt Group leaders to Tokyo was a golden opportunity to host a series of meetings with key clients, industry partners, and government officials. These interactions were essential in promoting collaboration on both domestic and international projects, allowing the company to strengthen its relationships with key stakeholders.
The third-anniversary celebration of Meinhardt Japan was a resounding success in successfully conveying Meinhardt Group’s strong presence both in Japan and globally while showcasing the impressive growth of Meinhardt Japan in just a few years. With a clear focus on digital transformation, cross-border collaboration, and sustainable urban development, Meinhardt Japan is well-positioned to continue driving innovation and delivering world-class engineering solutions for its clients.
Hong Kong Design Centre (HKDC) is pleased to announce the esteemed laureates of the DFA Awards 2024, celebrating the innovative spirit and profound impact of design across Asia. This year, DFA Awards introduced an exciting new accolade, the DFA Designer of the Year, marking a significant milestone in recognising creative leaders based in Asia.
Created by the renowned designer Alan Chan, the striking new trophy design for this esteemed award embodies Alan’s signature East-meets-West aesthetic which features a prominent “d” logo and the number “1” to serve as the focal points, elegantly representing the award’s prestigious identity.
Launched in 2003 with the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) as the lead sponsor, formerly known as Create Hong Kong, the DFA Awards honours extraordinary individuals and projects that have made a lasting impact on the design landscape, particularly in Asia by a series of award programmes.
The 2024 awardees include – Kengo KUMA, DFA Lifetime Achievement Award (DFA LAA); Kikuo IBE, DFA Design Leadership Award (DFA DLA); Tino KWAN, DFA World’s Outstanding Chinese Designer (DFA WOCD) and Eisuke TACHIKAWA, DFA Designer of the Year (DFA DOY), each representing the pinnacle of design excellence and innovation.
Prof. Eric YIM, Chairman of HKDC said, “This year’s DFA Awards laureates have demonstrated how design transcends aesthetics to become a powerful tool for societal change. Their work not only inspires us but also challenges us to think deeply about the role of design in addressing global issues. I extend my warmest congratulations to each winner, whose visionary contributions are paving the way for a more sustainable and connected world. This year, we are thrilled to introduce the DFA Designer of the Year, which recognises individuals who are leading the charge in harnessing design to solve the complex social challenges of our time. This award highlights not only the individual achievements but also the richness of the innovative cultural perspectives that the Asian-based designers has brought to the design landscape.”
Kengo Kuma, a world-renowned architect, has made an indelible impact in the field of architecture by redefining the relationship between nature, technology, and humanity. Since the founding of Kengo Kuma & Associates in 1990, Kuma has brought his vision of blending architecture and its environment seamlessly to life. Kuma’s design philosophy, which prioritises natural materials and human-scaled spaces, can be seen in some of the world’s most iconic structures.
He is an Honorary Professor at the University of Tokyo, and taught at prestigious institutions like Keio University. Kuma continues to share his knowledge with future generations of architects. His philosophy integrates traditional Japanese aesthetics with cutting-edge technology, creating architecture that is both grounded and forward-thinking. Kuma’s influential body of work includes notable publications such as “Onomatopoeia Architecture Grounding”, “Natural Architecture”, and “Small Architecture”.
The DFA Lifetime Achievement Award 2024 celebrates Kengo Kuma’s pioneering vision and his profound contributions to the world of spatial design. His talent for blending natural materials with modern design principles offers a new perspective on how we engage with our surroundings, fostering a deeper connection between people and the environment.
DFA Design Leadership Award 2024 (DFA DLA)
Kikuo IBE
Timepiece Business Unit Senior Fellow, CASIO COMPUTER CO. LTD. (pictured, top right)
Kikuo Ibe, known as the “Father of G-SHOCK”, successfully developed and commercialised G-SHOCK in 1981, has revolutionised the watch industry with his groundbreaking creation of G-SHOCK, a shock-resistant watch that has become an icon of durability and style that would withstand impacts and continue to function perfectly even if dropped.
Ibe’s relentless pursuit of durability did not stop there. In 1994, he initiated the creation of a full metal G-SHOCK, the MR-G model, which was released later. His creativity continued to push boundaries, leading to the launch of the DREAM PROJECT in 2016, which culminated in the creation of the 18K-GOLD G-SHOCK in 2018 to celebrate its 35th anniversary of the G-SHOCK line. The limited run of 35 units was sold out by reservation. Now more than 1,000 CASIO shops around the world sell G-SHOCK products, and G-SHOCK has sold a total of 100 million pieces worldwide, which is registered as an important historical resource for science and technology, further acknowledging his contributions to global cultural development.
The DFA Design Leadership Award 2024 celebrates Kikuo Ibe’s extraordinary contributions to the design world, recognising his relentless pursuit of innovation and resilience, and his lasting impact on global trends and product design.
DFA World’s Outstanding Chinese Designer 2024 (DFA WOCD)
Tino KWAN
Principal Consultant, Tino Kwan Lighting Consultants(pictured, bottom left)
Tino Kwan, one of the world’s most celebrated lighting designers, has been a trailblazer in the field for over 45 years. His illustrious career began when he founded Tino Kwan Lighting Consultants in London in 1979, and his work around many countries on commercial buildings, yachts, luxury star-rated hotels, casinos, Michelin restaurants and mansions.
Tino Kwan’s influence extends beyond design as he actively shares his experience through lectures at design institutes such as Tsinghua University. His accolades include the Top 10 Designers Award from China National Interior Decoration Association (CIDA), awarded by China Illuminating Engineering Society (CIES), awards from Illuminating Engineering Institute of Japan (IEIJ) and Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA), and his induction into Interior Design China’s Hall of Fame, reflecting his lasting impact on the design industry.
The DFA World’s Outstanding Chinese Designer 2024 celebrates Tino Kwan for his pioneering approach to lighting design and his efforts to nurture future talent. His ability to transform spaces with light has made him an industry icon, continuously expanding the limits of how we experience the environment.
DFA Designer of the Year 2024 (DFA DOY)
Eisuke TACHIKAWA
Founder and CEO, NOSIGNER (pictured, bottom right)
Eisuke Tachikawa, the founder of NOSIGNER, is a design visionary dedicated to addressing global social issues such as climate change and disaster prevention through his work. His concept of “Evolutional Creativity”, which draws parallels between biological evolution and the creative process, has garnered him over 100 design awards, including two DFA Grand Awards.
Since 2021, Tachikawa has served as the youngest President of the Japan Industrial Design Association (JIDA) and was elected to the board of the World Design Organization (WDO) in 2023. He has been instrumental in redefining the role of design in solving real-world problems. His notable projects include Japan pavilion at the 2025 World Expo in Osaka and “DESIGNS FOR THE NEXT 100YEARS” further showcases his commitment to creating positive social impact. His publications, “Evolutional Creativity” and “Design and Innovation”, highlight his thoughts on leadership in sustainable design.
The DFA Designer of the Year 2024 honours Eisuke Tachikawa for his innovative approach to design as a tool for societal change. His work challenges conventional thinking, offering hope and solutions for a better, more sustainable future.
TK Elevator (TKE) recently announced another prominent infrastructure project as the technology and service provider for the newly inaugurated Sydney Metro City Line, one of Australia’s biggest public transport initiatives. Featuring 190 new TKE elevator and escalator units, the landmark project is set to revolutionise how commuters travel across Sydney.
The Sydney Metro City Line officially opened on 19 August 2024, seeing remarkable success with roughly 200,000 passenger journeys daily. The metro program, which includes the operational M1 line with three additional lines under construction, seeks to enhance efficiency throughout Australia’s biggest city, offering fast, reliable metro services with fully accessible stations. TK Elevator’s mobility solutions support this objective by providing essential connectivity in the ‘last mile’ of passengers’ journeys, allowing them to easily transition from the train to their final destinations.
All TKE units, and additional third-party units, will be supported by TK Elevator’s Universal Service platform which offers comprehensive service for timely maintenance, inspections, and repairs. This provides a complete solution for Sydney Metro, further enhancing the seamless passenger experience.
“TK Elevator is excited to be a part of this transformative project in Australia,” said Jürgen Böhler, CEO Asia Pacific at TK Elevator. “Our advanced mobility solutions play a pivotal role in prioritising passenger safety and efficiency for metros and railway operators around the world. This proven track record allows us to make a real difference to the Sydney Metro City Line, highlighting our commitment to improving public transport.”
“We are proud to continue our longstanding partnership with Sydney Metro and strengthen our industry leadership in the Australian market,” said David Husoy, Managing Director at TK Elevator Australia. “We remain dedicated to serving all our customers and the country’s general public, invigorated by our pledge to keep the world moving.”
The Sydney Metro City Line installation adds to TKE elevators and escalators serving top metro stations, airports, trains, and urban transportation hubs worldwide. TK Elevator will continue to contribute to this prominent project as Sydney Metro expands further in 2025. The company will help ensure reliable and efficient mobility with newly installed and modernised equipment at the upcoming Southwest Line stations, acting as an integral piece in Sydney’s evolving transport landscape and strengthening TKE’s position as a leader in mobility products and services throughout the Asia-Pacific region.
In another step forward for luxury hospitality in Seoul, Capella Hotel Group is delighted to announce its partnership with Heonin Town Development Ltd. This partnership will bring to life Capella Residences Seoul in 2027 – a visionary project that marks Capella Hotels and Resorts’ entry into the vibrant capital city of South Korea.
The upcoming Capella Residences Seoul will offer an exclusive collection of residences. This project will not just be about creating homes; it will be about crafting a lifestyle that will redefine luxury living in Seoul.
Capella Hotels and Resorts, twice winner of Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Hotel Brand (2023 and 2024), will weave its magic in the lush Seocho-gu area of Gangnam. With flagship properties already recognised among the World’s 50 Best Hotels, Capella promises to uplift Seoul’s luxury hospitality landscape, bringing its signature blend of cultural immersion and extraordinary experiences to this dynamic destination.
Lynn Woo, Heonin Town Development Ltd representative, shared her excitement: “Our vision is to introduce an unparalleled living experience curated by a world-class brand in one of the most unique and stunning environments in Seoul. We are excited about Capella’s arrival, which will elevate a new benchmark for luxury living in South Korea.”
Imagine a haven where the pulse of urban innovation harmonises with the serenity of nature – this is the essence of Seocho-gu, Seoul’s verdant gem. Known for its seamless fusion of cutting-edge offices, cultural landmarks, and lush greenery, this district perfectly embodies Capella’s core philosophy to honour local heritage while redefining luxury.
Cristiano Rinaldi, President of Capella Hotel Group, shared his vision: “Seoul’s transformation over the past few decades has been nothing short of incredible. It’s a city where cutting-edge innovation and rich traditions coexist in fascinating ways – much like our brand ethos. We are thrilled to partner with Heonin Town Development Ltd to launch Capella Residences Seoul, which will strengthen our luxury residences portfolio following successes in Singapore and Shanghai. We are not just offering a place to live; we are crafting a lifestyle experience that will surprise, delight, and redefine luxury living in South Korea.”
Lynn Woo continued, “As we embark on this exciting journey in Seoul with Capella Hotels and Resorts, we invite residents and visitors alike to be part of a new era in luxury hospitality—one that celebrates the unique spirit of South Korea while offering a global standard of excellence. Capella Residences Seoul is not simply a residence; it is a gateway to a world where every moment is curated, every detail is perfected, and every stay becomes an unforgettable story.”
JLL has announced that it has joined the World Green Building Council’s (WorldGBC) Asia Pacific Regional Network (APN). The APN Is led by 17 Green Building Councils (GBCs) and three regional partners, representing a region home to over 60% of the world’s population and expected to contribute to over 50 percent of global GDP growth in the coming decades.
The announcement is reinforced by the region’s position at the forefront of adopting green building practices, with several countries implementing stringent green building codes and standards. However, the region is also vulnerable to the impacts of climate change; rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and biodiversity loss are amongst the many challenges faced.
The dual drivers of high adoption of green building practices and the impact of climate change will likely ensure that the region is a critical focus for climate resilience initiatives. For JLL, the APN brings opportunities to address the climate crisis at both a local and global scale and from an economic perspective, supporting the region’s ambitions as a key hub in global manufacturing and supply chains,
“There is no bigger conversation within the built environment than sustainability actions, initiatives and strategies. Our clients are proactively working towards net zero carbon targets and demanding more from us as advisors. This platform will be boosted hugely with our closer linkage with the World GBC,” said Lili Tao, Managing Director, South East Asia, Project and Development Services (PDS), JLL (pictured above).
“We are thrilled to welcome JLL as a Regional Partner. Their collaboration further strengthens our commitment to advancing sustainable built environments across the network and beyond. The Asia Pacific region is pivotal in shaping the future of global sustainability. With JLL’s expertise and leadership in real estate, we are confident that by working together, we can drive meaningful change to ensure that our built environments support, and actively contribute to, a sustainable future, for our region and the world,” said Joy Gai, Strategic Partnership Lead and Asia Head, WorldGBC.
