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Meinhardt Japan Celebrates Third Anniversary

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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.

 

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DFA Awards 2024: Asia’s Creative Luminaries Shine

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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.”

 

DFA Lifetime Achievement Award 2024 (DFA LAA)

 

Kengo KUMA

Founder, Kengo Kuma & Associates (pictured, top left. Photo Credit: ©Designhouse)

 

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.

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TK Elevator Enhances Sydney Metro City Line

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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.

 

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“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.

 

 

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Capella Hotels and Resorts Set to Launch Bespoke Luxury in Seoul

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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.”

 

 

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​​JLL Joins World Green Building Council’s Expanding APAC Network

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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.

 

 

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Cheng Chung Design unveils APAC Headquarters in Singapore

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Luxury interior design firm Cheng Chung Design (CCD) expands its global footprint with the opening of its Singapore office which will also double up as its Asia Pacific headquarters outside Greater China. The headquarters occupies Level 25 of Collyer Quay Centre located in the Central Business District.

 

The opening of CCD’s office in Singapore marks yet another significant milestone for the hospitality giant, which just celebrated its 30th anniversary in a grand celebration during Salone del Mobile in Milan,  Italy, earlier this year.

 

On choosing Singapore as CCD’s APAC headquarters, founder Joe Cheng, says, “Our plan to open an office in Singapore has been a long time coming. As a gateway to Southeast East Asia and the rest of  Asia Pacific, Singapore is an ideal launchpad to introduce CCD’s design ethos and redefine the luxury design landscape in this region that is seeing the biggest growths in the sector. We hope to strengthen  our foothold in this part of the world and impart our expertise to cultivate a team of true design innovators that carry forward our spirit of pursuing excellence and quality in every creation.”

 

Embodying CCD’s design principles of art, humanism, efficiency, and warmth, the Singapore office reimagines the traditional workspace that harmoniously integrates work and life with design, art and biophilic elements. The workspace embraces CCD’s “de-office” design concept seen in its Shenzhen and Shanghai headquarters which transcends the ordinary with the aim of focusing on the emotional needs of its employees to build meaningful connections and expand their imagination.

 

A brainchild of Cheng, the workspace not only provides aesthetic enjoyment but also provides a way of life and a sense of ritual which reinforces a sense of belonging and promotes employee engagement amid the rise of hybrid work models. Complete with a book bar, kitchen, coffee shop, landscape gallery and art room, the open and diversified space allows employees to break away from the constraints of a conventional office. The office also pays homage to Southeast Asian cultural attributes and contemporary craftsmanship, integrating ethnic materials such as bamboo and rattan that add layers to the design narrative.

 

Making its move into Singapore, the initial elite team of 30 design experts in Singapore will be led by CCD Senior Vice President, Aldwin Ong. With extensive experiences and varying senior roles at internationally renowned design firms, Ong brings rich narratives to projects of diverse scales and styles across Asia Pacific and beyond.

 

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Hyundai Engineering & Construction Co. and SJ sign MOU to Collaborate

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Hyundai Engineering & Construction Co., Ltd. (HDEC) has entered a  Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Surbana Jurong Group (SJ). This strategic partnership leverages the respective strengths and expertise of HDEC and SJ to advance sustainable practices within the built environment industry while addressing global energy challenges. HDEC  is renowned for its extensive track record in construction, while SJ has extensive experience in multidisciplinary consultancy services across the built environment and energy sector, including clean fuels,  new energies, energy transition, engineering and project management.

 

Key objectives of the MOU include:

  • Exploration of collaborative projects: HDEC and SJ will jointly identify potential projects within the realms of renewable energy and infrastructure.
  • Research and Development: HDEC and SJ will jointly undertake R&D initiatives focusing on low-carbon business practices and innovative construction technologies such as Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS)  and prefabricated prefinished volumetric construction (PPVC).
  • Cooperation on infrastructure technology: The MOU outlines plans for general cooperation in infrastructure technology, including construction automation or robotics, collaborative workshops,  training programs, and technical support.
  • SMR: HDEC and SJ will also collaborate on opportunities related to SMR technologies, an area critical for  Singapore’s future energy needs.

 

SJ’s Group Chief Executive Officer Sean Chiao said, “The transition to net zero is underway, but it’s not happening fast enough, and the demand for resilient infrastructure has never been greater. By joining forces,  HDEC and SJ aim to push the boundaries of sustainable practices in the built environment and address global energy challenges head-on. SJ’s multidisciplinary consultancy, deeply rooted in sustainability, combined with  HDEC’s world-class engineering and construction expertise, will drive innovation in clean energy solutions and  advanced construction technologies, paving the way for a greener, more resilient future.”

 

A representative from HDEC stated, “Since entering the Singapore construction market in 1981, HDEC has actively contributed to the country’s economic development through major infrastructure projects, including the construction of Changi International Airport, Marina One, South Beach, and Southeast Asia’s largest underground substation. With this business partnership with SJ, a leading built environment consultancy with  a long track record of successful project delivery, we will make every effort to accelerate Singapore’s energy  transition based on the strengthened collaboration network at both the government and group levels and the  trust we have built with the Singapore government and clients.”

 

The MOU ceremony between HDEC and SJ was part of the Singapore-Korea Business Forum which took place on 8 October 2024. Present at the MOU ceremony were (from left to right) Young-joon Yoon, President and CEO of Hyundai E&C; Ahn Duk-geun, Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy of the Government of South Korea; Tan See Leng, Minister of Manpower and Second Minister for Trade and Industry; Sean Chiao, Group CEO, SJ.

 

 

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Otis Taiwan Completes the Acquisition of Jardine Schindler Lifts Limited in Taiwan

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Otis Elevator Company (Taiwan) Limited has completed the acquisition of Jardine Schindler Lifts Limited in Taiwan from the Jardine Schindler Group. Otis Taiwan is a subsidiary of Otis Worldwide Corporation, a company for elevator and escalator manufacturing, installation and service. Jardine Schindler’s elevator and escalator business in Taiwan, with approximately 200 employees, serves customers through its four branches.

 

“This acquisition marks a significant milestone in Otis’ commitment to the region, our customers, our colleagues, and other stakeholders. It further strengthens our presence in Taiwan and will be complementary in terms of customer coverage and operational capacity.” said Hemant Jolly, Vice President, Strategy & Corporate Development – Otis, Asia Pacific.

 

“Otis has been present in Taiwan since 1963 and has a long history of serving customers here,” said Michael Lee, Vice President and Managing Director, Otis Hong Kong, Macau & Taiwan.

 

“Through this acquisition, we look forward to welcoming our new colleagues from Jardine Schindler Lifts Limited in Taiwan. At the same time, we are eager to introduce our highly regarded products & service offerings, including the recently launched Otis ONETM platform and our connected Gen3™ elevators to our customers. Always guided by our Absolutes – Safety, Ethics, Quality – our newest customers should expect the same level of high-quality service and execution that Otis is well known for.”

 

Image Credit: Otis Elevator Co via Facebook

 

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Nearly Half of Global Companies are Ready to Pay a Premium for Lower Emission Steel and Concrete

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A new report released by Climate Group and Ramboll at Climate Week NYC reveals close to 50 percent of global businesses that were surveyed for the research are prepared to pay a premium for lower-emission steel and concrete, signalling a powerful and growing demand for more sustainable materials. With steel and concrete emissions responsible for 15 percent of global emissions, their urgent decarbonisation is critical to meeting the goals outlined in the Paris Agreement.

 

The Steel and Concrete Transformation: 2024 market outlook on lower emission steel and concrete report, comes after over 250 companies globally from 42 countries and 21 industries were surveyed on their current readiness to use and willingness to pay for lower emission steel and concrete. It aims to evaluate business readiness to incorporate lower-emission steel and concrete in their operations, their willingness to pay a premium for these materials, and the existing key barriers preventing wider adoption.

 

Positive Market Outlook but Barriers Remain

The research indicates growing momentum, with 45 percent of respondents saying they would be willing to pay a premium for emissions reductions of 25 percent or higher for steel, while 57 percent would be willing to do so for reductions exceeding 50 percent. For concrete, these numbers were 40 percent and 49 percent respectively. While the ability to pay varies across sectors and geographies, 52 percent of respondents had a higher willingness to do so when compared to their stance one year ago, while 34 percent reported no change in opinion.

 

The report highlights that businesses expect the transition towards lower-emission materials to be inevitable. Driven by both regulatory pressures and market demand, 78 percent of respondents answered they expect lower-emission steel and concrete will be standard materials for new products or projects within the next decade.

 

While the outlook is broadly positive, the report also focused on the barriers and solutions to this widescale adoption and transition. Businesses said while progress is accelerating, the greatest barriers to adoption remain cost (84 percent), industry conservatism (37 percent), and lack of knowledge (33 percent).

 

In terms of solutions, businesses were clear that governments have a significant role to play in supporting them. Financial levers such as tax incentives, credits, and subsidies (69 percent), carbon pricing (50 percent) as well as minimum product standards or embodied carbon limits (43 percent) were identified as crucial policies for governments to prioritise. Without them, the world is unlikely to see the rapid scaling of lower-emission steel and concrete in time. Clear and robust policies must be implemented at all levels of government, now.

 

Jen Carson, Head of Industry at Climate Group, said, “Business leaders are not only calling for change – they’re enacting it. This report is a real temperature check of the market. It’s hugely encouraging to see the appetite is here, now, for organisations to pay a premium for lower-emission steel and concrete. Actors across the value chain – suppliers, governments, and investors – should take note.

 

But there’s deep work to be done to speed up progress. It’s critical that businesses can make the right choices for their operations, and the planet, and switch to lower-emission steel and concrete. Governments must listen to their concerns, support their ambition, and act quickly to remove barriers. This way, we can unlock corporate demand to drive real sector transformation.”

 

Michael Simmelsgaard, Chief Operating Officer at Ramboll, said, “The fact that more companies are now willing to pay a premium for lower emission steel and concrete sends a strong signal to the market. To accelerate progress, all actors now need to come together – from policymakers and investors to off-takers of steel and concrete, as well as end users who will need to accept a price premium until the market matures. Let’s build on the momentum we have to drive a rapid and lasting decarbonisation of heavy industries on the path to global net zero.”

 

 

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Accor Signs Three Hotels with Over 1,300 Keys in Singapore

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Accor continues its strong growth trajectory in Singapore with the signing of two new-build properties with three hotel brands set to open by 2027 with its long-standing partners, Fragrance Group Limited and Global Premium Hotels Limited, both owned by Koh Wee Meng. This landmark agreement will introduce Mövenpick Singapore, the largest Mövenpick hotel in Asia Pacific, the first Mövenpick Living in Singapore, and a Handwritten Collection branded hotel situated alongside the city-state’s famed and culturally rich Waterloo Street.

 

These new signings reaffirm Accor’s position as the preferred partner for hotel owners across Asia’s premium, midscale, and economy (PM&E) segments. As the region’s leading operator in these categories, Accor is committed to driving value and business performance through its extensive expertise and platforms.

 

Located near the central business district at Hoe Chiang Road, Mövenpick Singapore will be the largest Mövenpick hotel in Asia Pacific, featuring approximately 808 keys. Mövenpick offers a warm and premium experience, with a focus on culinary excellence that helps foster moments of indulgence and human connection. The same building will house Mövenpick Living Singapore, an approximately 37-key property ideal for business and leisure travellers seeking extended stays.

 

In late 2025, Waterloo Street, renowned for local arts and culture in the heart of Singapore’s civic centre, will welcome a new hotel under the Handwritten Collection brand. This 502-key curated and stylish hotel will showcase unique character in every detail. As Singapore’s second Handwritten Collection property, it follows the successful launch of Hotel Faber Park Singapore – Handwritten Collection in late 2023. The Handwritten Collection brand continues to show momentum across Asia, reflecting the high demand for bespoke hospitality offerings and character-rich experiences.

 

Garth Simmons, Chief Operating Officer of Accor’s Premium, Midscale, and Economy Division in Asia, commented, “Singapore is a key destination for both tourism and business in Asia, and we are thrilled to strengthen our presence with these new properties. This signing not only demonstrates the robust demand from owners and investors for brands within Accor but also reinforces our commitment to leading the region’s growth and redefining the future of hospitality in Asia. Each of these properties will cater to the diverse needs of travellers, offering high-quality hospitality. We look forward to a successful partnership with Fragrance Group Limited and Global Premium Hotels Limited as we continue to expand our footprint in Asia.”

 

Accor has a longstanding strategic partnership with Fragrance Group Limited and Global Premium Hotels Limited, operating 17 hotels in Singapore, 5 in Australia, and 3 in the United Kingdom, under brands such as MGallery, Mövenpick, Novotel, Mercure, Handwritten Collection, ibis Styles, and ibis budget brands.

 

Koh Wee Meng, Founder and Chairman of Fragrance Group Limited, commented, “We are excited about this new chapter in our partnership with Accor. These new properties will allow us to continue curating enriching experiences for our guests and further diversify our hospitality offerings in Singapore. As we expand our portfolio, we are committed to delivering memorable stays that cater to the evolving needs of travellers. We look forward to working closely with Accor to bring these exceptional properties to life.”

 

Accor currently operates 35 hotels across 13 brands in Singapore, including Raffles, Fairmont, Sofitel, Mondrian, Swissôtel, Pullman, Grand Mercure, Novotel, Mercure, Handwritten Collection, ibis, ibis Styles, and ibis budget.