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KONE to equip Middle East’s biggest health campus in Turkey

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The development is set to become the biggest health campus in the Middle Eastern region.

The development is set to become the biggest health campus in the Middle Eastern region.

KONE will install 130 elevators and escalators at the Adana Integrated Health Campus Project in Adana, Southern Turkey. The development is set to become the biggest health campus in the Middle Eastern region, comprising of three hospitals with a total capacity of 1,550 beds.

The main hospital consists of four patient tower blocks surrounding a common core and will have 1,300 beds. In addition to serving as a general hospital, it will include specialised hospitals for oncology, cardiology and cardiovascular disease, women’s and maternal health, and pediatrics.

The development will also include a physical therapy and rehabilitation hospital as well as a high security criminal psychiatric hospital. The campus will house health support facilities, a commercial area, a helipad, a technical unit building, and a combined cooling, heat and power plant.

Staff, patients and visitors will be able to move around the earthquake-protected buildings using 100 KONE MonoSpace® elevators, four KONE TranSys(TM) freight elevators, and 26 KONE TravelMaster® escalators.

“We are proud of this deal, which allows us to offer our eco-efficient technology for this state-of-the-art health campus,” said Pierre Liautaud, Executive Vice President for KONE South Europe, Middle East and Africa. “Ensuring the smooth flow of people is of utmost importance in hospital settings, where no one has time for unnecessary delays. We are happy to be able to offer our solutions for the benefit of everyone on the campus.”

The Turkish Ministry of Health project is set to become the world’s biggest base-isolated structure and will sit on 1,512 isolators, or flexible bearings, which will minimise building movement during an earthquake. The main contractor and architect of the project is RMI RONESANS MEDIKAL TAAH.INS.A.S and the project is due for completion at the end of December 2016.

Liberty Place achieves more than 20 percent energy savings with solutions from Johnson Controls

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Liberty Place is a new premium grade office complex in the heart of Sydney’s central business district

Liberty Place is a new premium grade office complex in the heart of Sydney’s central business district

Liberty Place is a new premium grade office complex in the heart of Sydney’s central business district by leading developer Grocon. Spanning five separate sites, including Legion House, a heritage building dating back to 1902, Liberty Place has a total of 58,316 square meters of office space and 2,800 square meters of retail space.

In recognition of the complex’s sustainable design and enhanced operational efficiency, it was conferred the 6- Star Green Star Rating by the Green Building Council of Australia and 5.0 Star NABERS (National Australian Built Environment Rating System) by the Office of Environment and Heritage.

Johnson Controls’ integrated building solution, comprising a fully automated tri-generation system, enabled Liberty Place to achieve energy savings of 20 percent, moving it closer to its zero carbon emissions goal.

At the heart of the solution by Johnson Controls lies a fully automated tri-generation plant that is integrated into the daily operations of the building. The system allows for the simultaneous generation of electricity and useful heat and cooling in a single process. The comprehensive solution from Johnson Controls includes:

 

 

  • Energy-efficient YORK® YK centrifugal chillers and YORK YIA absorption chillers optimally configured in the chilled water system
  • Re-engineering of existing plant room to reduce footprint by a third
  • Re-engineering of pumping systems to reduce chiller pump power
  • Sabroe® SABlight air-cooled chiller to provide option of generating power via synthetic gas produced by gasifier or natural gas
  • Central Plant Optimisation 10 (CPO10) software powered by Metasys® to optimise the performance of the chiller plant
  • Metasys Energy Dashboard software to track savings from each perimeter and provide a holistic analysis of the building’s energy efficiency

“We have achieved a major milestone at Liberty place by managing a fully automated tri-generation system that is truly integrated into daily building operations. The fact that the entire system is running smoothly demonstrates the value of the integrated solution from Johnson Controls,” said Dru Spork, Grocon’s Sustainability and Services Manager.

To learn more, please visit http://bit.ly/libertyplace.

AIMS AMP Capital Industrial Reit Unveils Plans to Transform 8 & 10 Tuas Avenue 20

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The initiative also coincides with the opening of new highways, and the Tuas West MRT Station, which is conveniently located a short distance away.

The initiative also coincides with the opening of new highways, and the Tuas West MRT Station, which is conveniently located a short distance away.

The Manager of AIMS AMP Capital Industrial REIT (AA REIT) today announced plans to redevelop 8 & 10 Tuas Avenue 20 under its ongoing asset enhancement strategy. The redevelopment will transform two adjoining two-storey detached industrial spaces into a versatile industrial facility with ramp and cargo lift access, making it suitable for production and warehouse usage.

Due for completion in 2H of 2017, the property’s value upon completion is estimated at S$32 million**. Gross floor area will increase by around 41,614 square feet or 35 per cent, improving the plot ratio from 1.03 to the maximum of 1.4. The Manager’s Chief Executive Officer Mr Koh Wee Lih said, “We’re excited to announce this project as we focus on unlocking more organic growth from our portfolio through asset enhancements, to deliver long-term value for Unitholders.”

8 & 10 Tuas Avenue 20 represents AA REIT’s fourth development, adding to the Manager’s successful track record. Plans to redevelop this property were accelerated following a fire incident at the property, which resulted in partial damage. AA REIT’s insurance fully covered the loss of income caused by the incident, and the reinstatement of the asset.

Mr Koh said, “Rather than reinstate the buildings to their original condition where the specifications are customised, we will capitalise on its downtime, and the insurance compensation, to improve the property’s specifications for the current market. This is also timely as the master tenancy expires in mid-2016.”

The property contributed around one percent to AA REIT’s net rental revenue in FY2015. Mr Koh said, “With improving infrastructure and connectivity in Tuas, and supply of industrial spaces forecast to fall beyond 2017, the development’s completion will be well-timed for the market. The property’s value and desirability will also further increase when Singapore’s port facilities shift to Tuas, stimulating demand for production and warehouse facilities.”

The initiative also coincides with the opening of new highways, and the Tuas West MRT Station, which is conveniently located a short distance away. The redevelopment will cost approximately S$27 million (including land cost), and AA REIT has sufficient funding capacity for this project. The Trust’s pro-forma leverage will remain healthy at 33.7 per cent based on its position at 31 December 2015, and taking into account the completion of the 30 & 32 Tuas West Road and 8 & 10 Tuas Avenue 20 redevelopments.

Following a tender process, Boustead Projects Pte Ltd has been appointed as the redevelopment design-and-build partner. The redevelopment has obtained JTC’s in-principle approval but is still subjected to other relevant authorities’ approval.

 

** Based on Savills Valuation and Professional Services (S) Pte Ltd’s valuation dated 31 March 2016.

Montazure Phuket Launches at Singapore Yacht Show 2016

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MontAzure is a joint venture of three of the most prestigious property and hotel investment groups in Asia.

MontAzure is a joint venture of three of the most prestigious property and hotel investment groups in Asia.

MontAzure, an exclusive mixed-use community project in Kamala, Phuket, was launched at the Singapore Yacht Show 2016, unveiling an elite project occupying one of the last truly sizable plots of land on the island that stretches from the mountainside to an extensive beachfront site.

MontAzure is a joint venture of three of the most prestigious property and hotel investment groups in Asia – ARCH Capital Management (Hong Kong & Shanghai), The Narai Group (Thailand), and Philean Capital (Singapore) part of Pontiac Land Group – which have teamed up to launch Asia’s most exceptional resort residential development.

The development, which covers 73 hectares (180 acres, 454 rai) and is valued at over S$500 million (THB15 billion), includes Twinpalms, one of Thailand’s most celebrated independent luxury resort brands, and the InterContinental Hotel Group (IHG) who will open the InterContinental Phuket Resort in 2019.

The first phase is the Twinpalms Residences MontAzure that occupies 100 metres of absolute beach frontage. It will be operated and managed by Twinpalms when it is completed offering one and two-bedroom units with penthouses having access to a private roof top and pool with prices ranging from SGD400,000 to SGD3.6 million.

Twinpalms Residences MontAzure consists of 75 upscale branded beachfront condominiums designed by Martin Palleros of Tierra Design which will be completed in 2018. Pre-sales have been brisk with over 37% of the units sold supported by the recent opening of the Sales Gallery and Show Suite.

Twinpalms Residences MontAzure consists of 75 upscale branded beachfront condominiums.

Twinpalms Residences MontAzure consists of 75 upscale branded beachfront condominiums.

Investors are invited to join in the management pool and benefits of a well-managed hospitality operation with attractive yields and owner usage up to 45 nights per year. Facilities include a residents’ lobby, beach front restaurant and bar, gym/yoga studio, pool bar, spa pavilions, library and lounge, outdoor event spaces and on-site management office.

Other key components of a project located in Phuket’s most upscale quarter, which boasts Andara and Amanpuri amongst its neighbours, includes 13 ultra-luxury private hillside estate villas called The Estates at MontAzure, with interiors designed by the legendary Jaya Ibrahim and architecture by Lek Bunnag. A future hillside development, an international beach club, a wellness centre, retail space and a 32 hectare (40 acres, 200 rai) nature reserve of primary rainforest completes the project.

MontAzure’s Managing Director, Roland Bleszynski, said: “We are very pleased to launch MontAzure at the Singapore Yacht Show. The participants here understand the quality of our partners and the reassurance that brings and appreciate that Phuket offers sophisticated marine support infrastructure and the most stunning cruising grounds in Asia.”

Prices range from SGD400,000 to SGD3.6 million.

Prices range from SGD400,000 to SGD3.6 million.

“Phuket has very strong fundamentals. The tourism industry will continue to boom, the infrastructure is well-planned with a new international aviation terminal opening in June and we have secured a prime beachfront site on Phuket’s sought after mid-west coast with superb potential for property and hospitality development.”

About The Twinpalms Residences MontAzure

Number of units:
75

Unit Types:
56 one-bedroom units, 19 two-bedroom units, with options for buyers to request three or four-bedroom units.

Ownership:
Foreign freehold available based on Thai Condominium Act

Prices:
S$400,000 to S$3.6 million

Site Area:
3.7 acres (15,000 sqm/161,000 sq.ft./9.38 rai)

Architect:
Tierra Design

Facilities:
Residents’ Lobby, Beach Signature Restaurant and Room Service, Pool Bar, Gym/Yoga Studio, Spa Pavilions, Library and Lounge, Outdoor event spaces, On-site Management office

Management:
To be operated Twinpalms Management

Developer:
MontAzure is a joint venture of three of the most prestigious property and hotel investment groups in Asia – ARCH Capital Management (Hong Kong & Shanghai), The Narai Group (Thailand), and Philean Capital (Singapore) part of Pontiac Land Group – which have teamed up to launch Asia’s most exceptional resort residential development.

Xylem Expands Reliable Fire Protection Solutions Offering in Asia

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Local production of the A-C Fire Pump 8100 Series highlights Xylem’s increased focus in the region.

Local production of the A-C Fire Pump 8100 Series highlights Xylem’s increased focus in the region.

Xylem Inc., a global water technology company, is delivering on its commitment to meet the diverse water needs of Asia by manufacturing the A-C Fire Pump 8100 Series at its Calamba facility in the Philippines. This move addresses a critical need for a strong safety portfolio to support commercial and industrial applications in the region.

Assembled at Xylem’s only UL and FM-certified manufacturing facility outside the U.S., the A-C Fire Pump 8100 Series provides water to stand pipe, sprinkler, chemical mitigation and hydrant systems for fire suppression in industrial and commercial facilities, meeting both UL and FM global standards. With a greater awareness of the importance of UL-listed and FM-approved fire equipment in the region, fire consultants and other customers can now attend fire pump witness tests without having to travel too far. In addition, the broader product and service portfolio enables Xylem to streamline service capabilities for the Asian markets, which are expected to contribute 44 percent of new pump demand through to 2018**.

“There is a growing demand for safe and reliable fire pump solutions in the region,” said Ramesh Nuggihalli, Vice President and Managing Director, Xylem Greater Asia. “Our expanded product portfolio in Asia reflects our commitment to meeting this demand, while supporting our customers with shorter lead times and local engineering and servicing capabilities.”

In addition to manufacturing Goulds Water Technology and Lowara branded pumps and booster systems in Calamba, local production of the A-C Fire Pump 8100 Series highlights Xylem’s increased focus in the region. The localization also enables Xylem to provide its Asian customers with embedded application support and service capabilities and gives the company the flexibility to meet unique market requirements with its manufacturing expertise in-region.

“Xylem’s local manufacturing capabilities coupled with our deep knowledge of the growing region, makes us well equipped to give our customers the quality products and customer support they seek,” said Nuggihalli.

The A-C Fire Pump 8100 Series range covers electric, engine-driven pumps supporting capacities up to 3,000 gallons per minute (681 cubic metres per hour).

 

**From “World Pumps” by the Freedonia Group Inc., published 2015.

Tuas Power Aids Businesses in Reducing Energy Expenses With Tuas Power Integrated Energy Management Solution

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Dr. John Keung, Chief Executive Officer, BCA, was the Guest of Honour at the launch.

Dr. John Keung, Chief Executive Officer, BCA, was the Guest of Honour at the launch.

Tuas Power Generation Pte Ltd (Tuas Power), an energy solutions provider in the liberalised Singapore electricity market, recently announced the launch of Tuas Power Integrated Energy Management Solution (IEMS) for buildings and businesses.

The first of its kind launched by an electricity retailer, Tuas Power Supply (a subsidiary of Tuas Power Generation), Tuas Power IEMS provides an integrated suite of solutions tailored for building owners and tenants to better manage their energy consumption. With Tuas Power IEMS, building owners and businesses get an overview of their energy statistics, cost savings, and at the same time ensure that the building remains green and sustainable for the future.

In line with Building and Construction Authority’s 3rd Green Building Masterplan, Tuas Power IEMS will pave the way for businesses to monitor their energy consumption online, allowing for better control over energy usage. Tuas Power IEMS will ensure that both building owners and tenants are accountable for their energy use, which will promote change in consumption habits and increase in energy efficiency. Usage patterns containing real-time data will easily be available and will help both parties understand their usage patterns and identify possible cost savings areas. Many renowned buildings and developers had embarked on this solution as part of ensuring their building remains green and sustainable for the future.

Dr. John Keung, Chief Executive Officer, Building and Construction Authority, was present at the launch as the Guest of Honour, and felt that Tuas Power’s latest initiative is a good step towards helping building owners manage costs and improve energy efficiency.

“The third Green Building Masterplan was developed to engage building tenants and occupants more actively to drive energy consumption behavioural change,” Dr. Keung said. “Tuas Power’s Integrated Energy Management Solution for buildings and businesses facilitates tenants to better understand their energy usage pattern, thereby empowering them to make better decisions and adopt greener practices.”

Automated Meter Reading (AMR) Solution, Building Management Solution and CusCare App

The CusCare app condenses data into simple charts and statistics.

The CusCare app condenses data into simple charts and statistics.

Together with Tuas Power’s consultation expertise, the IEMS will consist of three main areas: Automated Meter Reading (AMR) Solution, Building Management Solution and CusCare App. With the AMR solution, businesses will be able to monitor their energy consumption through real-time, half- hourly data, allowing for better control over electricity usage.

Jointly developed with NEC Asia Pacific Pte Ltd, Tuas Power’s AMR solution automatically collects energy consumption data from electricity meters, and simultaneously transmits this data for accessing through the TPS AMR Portal. This enables building owners to identify areas to increase energy efficiency, which in turn works to achieve a smaller carbon footprint.

The Building Management Solution in Tuas Power IEMS is a way of ensuring good energy management. With proven track records of handling more than 630 buildings since 2003, Tuas Power has professional and in-house capabilities to handle the management of tenants’ electricity accounts, meters, billing and collection, electricity management duties, on behalf of landlords. The solution helps building owners manage and integrate their tenant’s electricity accounts in an organised and systematic approach.

Rounding up these solutions in a convenient way is the mobile CusCare App – designed to give users a quick overview of their energy spend on a digital platform. Using this app, data is condensed into simple charts and statistics, yielding insightful information about energy consumption patterns, and leaving room for building owners and tenants to make informed business decisions on conserving energy.

“In keeping with the Building and Construction Authority’s vision to establish a future-ready built environment for Singapore, Tuas Power is committed to energy sustainability and continually strives to develop solutions and adopt technologies to aid building owners, along with their respective tenants to manage electricity consumption. Our goal is to help all involved monitor their energy usage, and provide solutions to make sustainable energy a reality,” said Mr. Michael Wong, General Manager, Tuas Power Supply.

Rigel Opens S$35 Million New Headquarters and Innovation Centre

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Image courtesy of Rigel Technology.

Image courtesy of Rigel Technology.

Homegrown green sanitation specialist Rigel Technology (S) Pte Ltd (Rigel) will pump in S$35 million into its new global headquarters and innovation centre at Changi Business Park – a move to boost business development in Indochina, South Asia and China.

Flushed with demand for high-tech, quality sanitation products in these countries, Rigel’s latest innovation centre is aimed at researching, testing and discovering new products. The centre is equipped with state-of-the-art automation capabilities and test laboratories to fully support product innovation and quality manufacturing.

Founded in 1991, Rigel has since developed more than 200 new products through research and commands more than 50 percent of the local market share with majority of its work in the commercial sector. With the new innovation centre, Rigel seeks to expand its product offering by driving the development of 30 to 50 new and improved products per year. In order to support its expanding research development activities, the company also foresees a 40 percent increase in future hires of researchers and design engineers. Rigel also aims to increase its international market share via its existing hubs in Vietnam, India and China, which serve as stepping stones to emerging markets such as Laos, Myanmar and Sri Lanka.

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Mr Ng gives Mr Heng a tour of the new product introduction centre in the new facility in Changi Business Park. Image courtesy of Rigel Technology.

Finance Minister, Mr Heng Swee Keat officially launched the new S$35 million facility at Changi Business Park this morning. The six-storey building, with 16,000 square metre of gross floor area, has been recognised by the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) for its green features and design with the Green Mark Gold Award 2016.

Mr Christopher Ng Eng Seng, CEO of Rigel, commented, “Today marks a historic milestone for Rigel in our 25 years of success. The new global headquarters and innovation centre will enable us to establish a stronger presence within existing markets in the region, and will also strengthen our capabilities to better serve emerging markets in the Middle East and Latin America. This is part of Rigel’s ongoing commitment to provide sustainable and efficient green products, which translates into greater cost-savings for our customers.”

The Rigel Innovation Centre also houses a research and development (R&D) incubation room on the second level, to stimulate ideation and brainstorming. On the same level, there is a complete suite of semi-automatic manufacturing line and test labs for quality control of invented products before mass manufacturing.

At the opening ceremony, Rigel also signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with three companies for deals worth more than S$9 million cumulatively. Under these deals, Rigel will supply and deliver with its customer care programme to leading real-estate developers in Vietnam, Indonesia and Malaysia respectively.

DSC_0674

Image courtesy of Rigel Technology.

To date, Rigel has completed a number of prominent local projects that include MediaCorp’s Mediapolis@One-North, National Gallery Singapore, Changi Airport, Marina Bay Sands, and Singapore Sports Hub, as well as regional projects such as the Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Malaysia, Tianjin Eco-City in China and Mall Plaza Egana in Chile.

Rigel’s products have attained Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certifications at international level and the Water Efficiency Labelling Scheme certification from the Public Utilities Board. Key products of Rigel’s R&D innovations include its proprietary LED hydro power faucets and showerheads, intelligent restroom systems that help to fine-tune settings on all Rigel sensor products, self-cleaning anti-bacteria sanitary ware and anti-bacterial rimless flush.

 

Trimble Introduces Three Enhanced Tekla Software Solutions

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The solutions provide enhanced collaboration and workflow efficiency.

The solutions provide enhanced collaboration and workflow efficiency.

Trimble introduced today three new software versions of its Building Information Modeling (BIM) and analysis & design solutions for engineering and construction – Tekla Structures 2016, Tekla Structural Designer 2016 and Tekla Tedds 2016.

The solutions provide enhanced collaboration and workflow efficiency for structural steel and precast concrete designers, detailers and fabricators, concrete contractors, general contractors and structural engineers.

Tekla Structures 2016: New User Interface and Advanced Information Utilisation
Tekla Structures, the most advanced BIM software, makes accurate, constructible modeling of any steel or concrete structure possible. The new software version provides even more efficient modeling, allowing increased productivity by avoiding costly errors more easily in the fabrication and construction phases. The software is available and supported in 17 languages. Korean is also now available with this release.

The new Tekla Structures user interface offers a smooth user experience and shorter learning curve with several features that make modeling easier and accelerate the design process. The customisable menus and easily recognisable icons allow users to save time, improving modeling efficiency, while the consistent colours help them immediately spot what they are looking for in the models.

The new version also introduces more efficient utilisation of model information. Finding possible flaws during the design phase when they are simpler to fix compared to rework on the construction site can bring savings. Creating repetitive fabrication information, such as concrete covers for precast elements, can be automated for increased productivity. With Tekla Structures 2016, collaboration has become easier and more reliable with its advanced functionalities such as Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) file change management.

Modelling made easy with Tekla.

Modelling made easy with Tekla.

When another discipline working on the construction project makes changes, Tekla Structures users can now see what has changed in the IFC reference model. In addition, visualisation and traceability improvements in Tekla Model Sharing leverage collaboration through sophisticated change management. The tool allows team members to work on the same model from any location or time zone to deliver projects faster and with more flexibility. The changes list allows for filtering and searching for specific ones.

“Many of the new features and improvements have been developed to address our customers’ requests. For example, drawing production is faster with functionality improvements and a 2D library that allows users to pick details for their drawings from a collection of ready-made 2D details, such as bolts, instead of drawing them. Reusing customer-specific 2D details saves even more time,” said Risto Räty, general manager of Trimble Buildings Structures Division.

Tekla Structural Designer 2016: Enhanced Collaboration
Tekla Structural Designer 2016 is an engineering tool for analyzing and designing buildings efficiently. The new version features major performance enhancements in both modeling and processing time when analysing and designing structures, and can now easily handle even larger and more demanding models.

The software release expands its seismic design capabilities with additional structural design and detailing checks for concrete structures to U.S. codes, enabling use in higher classified earthquake regions. Designing pad and strip foundations to a range of international codes within the same model environment is now possible.

The new version also allows design of steel and concrete buildings to Indian codes. Tekla Structural Designer 2016 joins open BIM workflows with IFC compatibility, enabling smoother processes and reduces manual work. The users can share and review their designs with other project disciplines even at a very early stage of the Design-Build-Operate (DBO) workflow.

Tekla Structures makes accurate, constructible modeling of any steel or concrete structure possible.

Tekla Structures makes accurate, constructible modeling of any steel or concrete structure possible.

Tekla Tedds 2016: New Options and More Flexibility
The new version of Tekla Tedds – a solution for automating repetitive structural calculations – has been enhanced by providing additional features requested by its users. New options bring more flexibility and choices for the analysis and design of retaining walls, foundations and steel and concrete beams to both the U.S. building codes and Eurocodes.

The comprehensive calculations make work easy and fast, enabling users to avoid human errors when working with load combinations. Document templates that can be matched to company standards including custom layouts and logos save time and improve presentation.

Tekla Structures 2016, Tekla Structural Designer 2016 and Tekla Tedds 2016 are available now. To download, visit:

Tekla Structures:
www.teklastructures.com

Tekla Structural Designer:
http://url.tekla.com/TeklaStructuralDesigner2016DownloadNow

Tekla Tedds:
http://url.tekla.com/TeklaTedds2016DownloadNow

For more Information on Tekla software, visit www.tekla.com

Artyzen Hotels & Resorts To Make Debut In Shanghai

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Artyzen Hotels & Resorts and Artyzen Habitat, Shanghai Lingang New City, 2021.

Artyzen Hotels & Resorts and Artyzen Habitat, Shanghai Lingang New City, 2021.

Shun Tak Holdings Limited subsidiary, Artyzen Hospitality Group (AHG), recently announced its third and fourth hotel signing in Shanghai within six months. Following the September 2015 signing of Artyzen Habitat and citizenM Hotels at the Hongqiao Shanghai MIXC development, AHG now confirms the debut of Artyzen Hotels & Resorts and a second Artyzen Habitat that will be co-located at the Shanghai Lingang New City.

The management agreement for the two new hotels was signed with Shanghai Lujiazui Xinchen Investment Co. Ltd, one of Shanghai’s key enterprise groups, which will oversee their 2021 completion. Lingang New City is one of six main developments that play an important role in the expansion of Shanghai. The new Artyzen Hotel and Artyzen Habitat will be situated in a vibrant area of the city, facing the famous Dishui Lake and connected to the line 16 metro station.

The two hotels are to be part of a mixed-use development consisting of a standalone convention centre, ballroom for social events, retail, various food and beverage outlets and serviced apartments. The development will complement the overall eco-system of the location, targeting business, MICE, family leisure and extended stay market.

Surrounded by Government buildings, office blocks, commercial facilities and the Polar Ocean Park, it is just 30 minutes drive to Pudong International Airport and Shanghai Disney Resort. Robbert van der Maas, President of Artyzen Hospitality Group, said, “The signing of Artyzen Hotels & Resorts and Artyzen Habitat in Lingang New City is a milestone for the group – it marks the debut of our upscale brand, Artyzen Hotels and Resorts with a strong owner Lujiazui Xinchen Investment Co. Ltd.”

“The Lingang location is rich with undiscovered local culture and history. In the early days, it was a traditional fishing village and port for the salt trade. This intriguing heritage will be celebrated in our hotels and shared with our guests” says Mr. van der Mass. The two new hotels will bring the Group’s core philosophy of ‘Art’, ‘Culture’ and ‘Emotional Wisdom’ to life in unique and contemporary ways, to provide culturally rewarding guest experiences and celebrate the regions heritage as a traditional fishing village.

Artyzen Hotels and Resorts is a high-end lifestyle hotel concept where local or regional traditions relating to craftsmanship, cuisine and culture are reflected upon then reinvented to create a contemporary design aesthetic and sensibility that weaves its way throughout every aspect of the hotel. It is a platform where the hotel plays a role in sharing and sustaining the local culture by immersing both guest and staff in a cultural discovery. The Lingang New City site will have circa 300 units.

Artyzen Habitat is a community-inspired hotel concept that caters to a new generation of traveller. Fuelled in part by insights distilled from the Airbnb phenomenon, the development of the Artyzen Habitat brand has focused on delivering upscale accommodations in a home-like environment and a public area that is active, efficient and social spaces that form the perfect eco-system for dining, working, mingling and relaxing, while generating revenue and buzz at the same time. The Lingang New City site will have circa 350 units.

REC invests S$200 million to automate and upgrade technology over the next three years

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Minister Iswaran on a tour of REC’s global HQ and manufacturing facility in Tuas, Singapore.

Minister Iswaran on a tour of REC’s global HQ and manufacturing facility in Tuas, Singapore.

As escalating climate change remains the biggest challenge today and the nascent renewable energy sector picks up speed, REC, a global provider of solar energy solutions, has announced a total investment of S$ 250 million in automation, technology upgrade and research and development (R&D) efforts to unleash the full potential of solar as a source of renewable energy.

At its manufacturing facility in Tuas and in the presence of Minister for Trade and Industry (Industry), S Iswaran, this morning, REC unveiled plans to invest S$200 million in Singapore that will further increase its productivity and efficiency through automation and technology upgrading.

This will fully convert all 1.3 GW of REC’s solar modules capacity in Singapore to TwinPeak production. These panels yield the highest energy efficiencies as compared to any other multi-crystalline panels that are mass-produced today. Committed to its vision that every person benefits from electricity generated directly from the sun, REC’s move to expand its capacity and technology with sustainable, reliable and high performing products is closely aligned with the Singapore government’s plans to grow the cleantech sector.

The Singapore government has recently announced about S$900 million of R&D budget in Urban Solutions and Sustainability, one of four key technology domains to be funded under the national Research, Innovation and Enterprise (RIE) 2020 Plan. This RIE initiative, amounting to S$19 billion, maps out the focus for Singapore’s R&D efforts for the next five years.

Said Steve O’Neil, CEO, REC, “With such a strong commitment to cleantech innovation, Singapore is the ideal location for REC to channel new innovations and push the boundaries for solar solutions. We are very excited to share our roadmap for advancements in solar energy production as we dedicate resources for research and development into our game-changing TwinPeak solar panels.”

Minister Iswaran speaking with a REC employee.

Minister Iswaran speaking with a REC employee.

Lauded for its high performance, the high power 120-cell module, Twin Peak, was launched by REC last year. Developed based on Passivated Emitter Rear Cell (PERC) technology and half-cut cells, TwinPeak solar panels convert more sunlight into electricity as compared to standard modules, effectively allowing customers to derive the most energy and value out of their installations.

For commercial, industrial and residential entities in Singapore, this is of extreme importance, given the limited rooftop space. Putting it into context, REC’s recent 2.2MW TwinPeak installation in Singapore is able to generate an additional 157MWh of clean energy annually as compared to standard panels.

The additional clean energy produced by TwinPeak panels can power up to 38 HDB 5-room flats yearly or the equivalent of 1,088 light bulbs. Similarly, it is also able to mitigate an additional 80 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually – the amount that takes the planting of 3,200 new trees to offset.

REC also announced today, an investment of S$50 million in the development of a novel solar panel with 350 watt power, over the next five years. In partnership with the Solar Energy Research Institute of Singapore (SERIS) at the National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore’s flagship solar energy laboratory, this technological breakthrough will generate 1.35 times more energy, at a comparable cost and size to standard multi-crystalline modules.

Said Prof. Armin Aberle, CEO, SERIS, “Collaborations between university institutes and industry are very beneficial for growing the solar sector, especially when it comes to developing and commercialising new technologies. With REC on board to further the green agenda in Singapore and the region, we believe this will stimulate other companies to follow suit and enhance their R&D investments to address the issues of climate change and dwindling resources.”

The Minister visited the Cells and Modules production.

The Minister visited the Cells and Modules production.

Added O’Neil, “REC constantly strengthens its position as a leader in terms of solar panel reliability, performance and cost. With SERIS’ support, we’re in a good position to ride on market opportunities where growth prospects remain positive.”

A memorandum of understanding (MOU) was also signed between REC and SERIS.

“We warmly welcome REC’s S$200 million solar manufacturing expansion, which will further strengthen Singapore’s cleantech industry ecosystem. The investment is testament to the competitiveness of Singapore’s advanced manufacturing sector in terms of engineering talent, automation expertise and supplier base,” said Yeoh Keat Chuan, Managing Director, Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB). “REC’s S$50 million R&D collaboration with SERIS will accelerate the commercialisation of innovative solar technologies in Singapore,” he added.