SUTL Enterprise (“SUTL”), a leading developer, operator and consultant of integrated marinas, in collaboration with the Numchai Group, is pleased to announce the development of ONE°15 Marina Panwa Phuket. The move marks a significant milestone in the expansion of the ONE°15 network and its ability to welcome members to distinct yachting destinations globally.
A Gateway to International Yachting Routes
Nestled strategically at the southernmost tip of the island, ONE°15 Marina Panwa Phuket isn’t just a pivotal stop along the global yachting route; it stands as the nearest departure point to the captivating and highly coveted Phi Phi Islands. As a dynamic launchpad to explore Phuket’s expansive marina playground and island-hopping adventures across the Andaman Sea, the marina is poised to draw transient boaters from as far as Europe.
“Harnessing the established ONE°15 brand, we are excited to add another marina to our global network. ONE°15 Marina Panwa Phuket is committed to delivering the best-in-class marina standards and
experience that our esteemed ONE°15 members and boaters worldwide can expect,” shared Mr Arthur Tay, CEO and Executive Director of SUTL Enterprise. “We look forward to welcoming ONE°15 members, new and existing, to this exciting new marina location.”
Acknowledged by charter operators and boat owners, ONE°15 Marina Panwa Phuket boasts exceptional accessibility, establishing it as a favored destination for leisure and luxury yachts. Attracting day trippers, this marina will serve as a hub for renowned charter operators, enabling them to provide captivating island-hopping tours and thereby amplifying the destination’s appeal.
Exceptional Recreational Facilities
From Q4 2024, ONE°15 Marina Panwa Phuket will welcome yachts and superyachts of up to 120ft. The collaboration with the Numchai Group paves the way for the development of upscale dining options and recreational club facilities, ensuring an exceptional experience for marina guests. Furthermore, both visitors and members can anticipate unparalleled yacht charter experiences, featuring on-water entertainment with live DJs and delectable local cuisine.
Pan Pacific Hotels Group (PPHG) proudly announces that PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay, Singapore, has been honoured with the “Global Model of Ecological Restoration and Protection Award 2023” at the Sustainable Cities And Human Settlements Awards (SCAHSA), which is supported by the United Nations Environment Programme. The award ceremony took place at the 18th Annual Session of Global Forum on Human Settlements & COP28. This recognition underscores PPHG’s unwavering commitment to sustainable hospitality and environmental stewardship.
This award marks PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay, Singapore’s second consecutive triumph at the SCAHSA, and comes in the wake of Pan Pacific Hotels Group’s recent attainment of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) Industry Criteria for Hotels certification for its Singapore properties. These accolades reflect the broader ethos of the PARKROYAL COLLECTION brand. PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering and PARKROYAL COLLECTION Kuala Lumpur, both renowned for their sustainable initiatives, contribute significantly to this shared commitment. As the PPHG continues to solidify its commitment to sustainability and reinforce its position as a leader in environmentally conscious hospitality,
the PARKROYAL COLLECTION brand is at the forefront of these efforts. Launched in 2020, PARKROYAL COLLECTION properties integrate environmentally friendly initiatives into their operations and design to minimize their environmental footprint.
PARKROYAL COLLECTION Kuala Lumpur exemplifies the PARKROYAL COLLECTION brand’s commitment to sustainability through its green design and operational practices. Featuring biophilic landscaping and eco-chic design, the hotel boasts roof terraces showcasing 13,000 square feet of plants and trees, alongside 78 sky planters forming a distinctive landscaped façade. The hotel’s initiatives include the use of filtered water systems in rooms, a food waste digester to manage organic waste efficiently, and a strict no single-use plastics policy, demonstrating its dedication to sustainability pillars.
PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering in Singapore stands as a beacon of eco-conscious luxury, renowned for its iconic “hotel-in-a-garden” concept. The hotel’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its innovative green design, which includes 262 solar panels generating 65,004 kilowatt-hours of energy annually and rainwater harvesting systems saving 6 million liters of water per year. Additionally, the hotel boasts an Urban Farm with over 50 varieties of greens, reducing reliance on food deliveries and ensuring fresh ingredients for guests while lowering the carbon footprint. Furthermore, 51% of guest room corridors are naturally ventilated, featuring waterscapes and green walls that reduce energy required to cool the building by absorbing heat, shading hard surfaces, and lowering the temperature. Through these initiatives, along with efforts to reduce single-use plastics, implement recycling initiatives, and forge partnerships for sustainable practices, PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering exemplifies leadership in sustainable hospitality, offering guests an immersive experience in harmony with nature.
Gaining this recognition saw PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay, Singapore going through rigorous criteria, showcasing its commitment to Resource Conservation and Efficiency, Pollution Prevention, Ecosystem Monitoring, Environmental Protection Publicity and Education. PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay, Singapore has implemented a range of initiatives to reduce its environmental impact. 210 solar panels generate 115,970 kWh annually, whilst motion sensors regulate energy use in public spaces and guestrooms, resulting in a total annual saving of 151,666 kWh. The double-glazed glass and the low
emissivity of the Atrium Skylight allows natural daylight, while rejecting heat (4W/m2) into the atrium. An on-property food waste digester – much like the one at PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering in Singapore – can process up to 1 ton of food waste daily, converting it into greywater which is responsibly discharged into sewage instead of a landfill.
Additionally, PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay, Singapore collaborates with Nespresso to compost used coffee grounds for the hotel’s urban farm. With over 60 varieties of fruits, vegetables, herbs, and edible flowers, the Urban Farm exemplifies the trifecta of the hotel’s farm-to-table, farm-to-bar and farm-to-spa concepts. The produce is used in its restaurants and bars, as well as its award-winning spa, St. Gregory. The property also boasts a 13m high green wall upon entry, along with sculptural bird-like cages creating a natural forest landscape, enhancing the “garden-in-a-hotel” concept with more than 2,400 shrubs and trees.
Situated in Singapore’s Marina Bay area, PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay, Singapore offers luxurious accommodations with stunning waterfront views. With award-winning dining, state-of-the-art meeting facilities, and a strong commitment to sustainability, the hotel provides a unique blend of comfort and eco-consciousness. Its prime location ensures easy access to Marina Bay’s attractions, making it an ideal choice for a memorable stay in the heart of Singapore.
PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay, Singapore epitomises the PARKROYAL COLLECTION brand promise, which places sustainable hospitality at the forefront.
LHN Facilities Management Pte Ltd, a subsidiary of LHN Group (being LHN Limited “LHN” together with its subsidiaries, the “Group”), announced its awarded tender of 260 Upper Bukit Timah Road, which was evaluated based on a set of Price and Quality criteria. With a focus on accessibility, sustainability, creativity and recreation, the site will be rejuvenated into an integrated mixed-use community node for Rail Corridor users and communities at Upper Bukit Timah, featuring co-living spaces and a wide variety of well-curated community-centric offerings that foster family bonding and promote social interaction.
Revitalised Community Hub within Upper Bukit Timah Precinct
Situated in close proximity to the upcoming Hume MRT Station (part of the Downtown Line), the former Bukit Timah Fire Station is planned as a community node along the Rail Corridor and a gateway for visitors to explore the surrounding heritage and nature attractions. The site is strategically located amidst lush greenery and heritage landmarks with easy access to the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, Bukit Batok Nature Park and recreational corridors – the 24km-long Rail Corridor and the 36km-long Coast-to-Coast Central Trail. Envisioned to promote inclusive communities and sustainable lifestyles, this LHN’s rejuvenation project seeks to develop an iconic community nexus with seamless connectivity to the Rail Corridor and the nature trails. As such, the project encompasses ample shared public spaces for community-based programmes in addition to residential co-living, and will utilise the surrounding greenery for urban farming, wellness and nature-based activities.
Artist’s impression of the mixed-use environmentally-friendly space that seamlessly blends living, social bonding and recreational activities.
To create a holistic experience for both visitors and residents, LHN will bring onboard a diverse range of amenities offered by a well-curated pool of sub-tenants. The proposed facilities and activities include a gym, pet-friendly spaces, bike rental facilities, community gardens, swimming classes, workshops and more. Minimarts and affordable food and beverage options will also be made available within the premises for added convenience.
Designing with a Nod to Sustainability at Every Corner
Leveraging its expertise in space optimisation and building restoration, LHN intends to thoughtfully spruce up the existing structure of the buildings without major redevelopment works, and in accordance with the prevailing guidelines. Landscaping will also be improved to increase the green coverage and create a pleasant environment for visitors and residents. This approach has been practised in LHN’s previous refurbishment projects, allowing the Group to efficiently utilise spaces while minimising dis-amenities during the upgrading process.
Committed to reducing carbon footprint and promoting sustainable lifestyles, LHN will incorporate environmentally-friendly features throughout the premises. These include renewable solar energy systems, water and energy conservation fittings, and low carbon mobility initiatives such as bicycle facilities and electric vehicle fast charging points. Dedicated spaces for community gardens, health and wellness programs, educational programmes on sustainability topics and upcycling workshops will be made available to members of the public.
Artist’s impression of dedicated spaces for community gardens.
Building Upon Coliwoo’s Strong Momentum for Expansion
As part of the Group’s expansion plan in the co-living business, a section of the site will be repurposed to create co-living spaces to be operated by its subsidiary, Coliwoo. Expected to open along with the shared public spaces in the first half of 2025, co-living serviced apartments at 260 Upper Bukit Timah Road will provide its members with a seamless urban-nature blend dwelling experience where they can live, work, and play, all within a single, cohesive, lush green environment.
“Being awarded the tender at 260 Upper Bukit Timah Road is an excellent opportunity for us to materialise our vision of building a sustainable close-knit community. With our extensive experience in space optimisation, building restoration and co-living space operations, we are confident that our plans for the premises will not only revitalise the premises itself but also benefit the wider neighbourhood,” said Kelvin Lim, Executive Chairman, Executive Director & Group Managing Director of LHN Group.
Cedar Pacific, a leading Australian property investor, and Sumitomo Forestry Co., Ltd., a major Japanese company engaged in various businesses relating to forestry and wood management, including development, announced a strategic partnership to develop Build-to-Rent (BTR) assets in Australia and New Zealand. This collaboration will leverage both companies’ expertise to deliver high quality, sustainable residential communities that meet the growing demand for rental housing in the region with a commitment to achieving high ESG credentials.
A Partnership Focused on Sustainability and Innovation
This new partnership brings together Cedar Pacific’s development expertise in Australia and New Zealand with Sumitomo Forestry’s deep understanding of sustainable timber building solutions and commitment to ESG principles. The joint venture will focus on developing Build-to-Rent communities that are not only well-designed and amenity-rich but also built with a focus on environmental sustainability and social responsibility.
Bernie Armstrong, CEO of Cedar Pacific, said “This partnership allows us to combine both companies’ development expertise with leading-edge sustainability practices, creating communities that are not only desirable places to live but also contribute positively to the environment and communities in which they are located. We are honoured to partner with Sumitomo Forestry to develop high-quality BTR communities in Australia and New Zealand.”
Yasuhiro Odagane, Managing Director of Sumitomo Forestry Australia, said, “We are committed to expanding our sustainable development business globally, and this partnership with Cedar Pacific represents a significant step forward.”
George Konstandakos, General Manager at Sumitomo Forestry Australia, added, “Our combined expertise will allow us to deliver innovative BTR communities that promote the use of timber technologies such as Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) to meet the needs of residents and contribute to the creation of a more sustainable future.”
The partnership is expected to develop a significant portfolio of BTR assets across Australia and New Zealand in the coming years. The first planned project in the joint venture is 50 Quay Street in Brisbane, which is part of the State of Queensland Treasury’s affordable BTR pilot program. The project, which has begun construction with Hutchinson Builders, incorporates 475 apartments overlooking the Brisbane River and includes 50% of the apartments offered at below market, affordable rents. The development is being constructed to 5-star Green Star standards with the intention to operate at net carbon neutral from day one. The JV has a pipeline of other projects in Melbourne, Canberra, Brisbane and Auckland, and details of the developments will be announced in due course.
Savills Capital Advisors and Savills Australia and New Zealand advised Cedar Pacific on the capital raise. Joe Guilfoyle, co-Head of Savills Capital Advisors, said: “BTR continues to provide investors with attractive risk adjusted returns, given the favourable supply / demand dynamics and resilient cash flows. As a leading platform, with both BTR and PBSA expertise, we are delighted to have assisted Cedar Pacific in securing this first tranche of capital with a high quality institutional investor.”
Conal Newland, Head of Operational Capital Markets, Savills Australia and New Zealand adds: “With record low residential vacancies of sub-1% nationally in Australia, rents continuing to increase, and housebuilding falling, we see BTR playing an increasingly important role in plugging this housing gap. We are pleased to have assisted Cedar Pacific in this new partnership and look forward to seeing new sustainable homes delivered across under supplied markets.”
Exciting news awaits homeowners across Singapore as zipblinds direct, the first 100% online factory-to-home zip blinds company in Singapore, unveils its very first brick-and-mortar showroom at T-Space, Tampines. This whole-new showroom concept, with future plans to incorporate curtains and blinds, marks Singapore’s first unmanned showroom dedicated to zip blinds.
zipblinds direct’s Game Changing E-commerce Strategy and Showroom Concept
Building on its success as a fully e-commerce platform since its launch in 2023, zipblinds direct has effectively bypassed middlemen costs and integrated technology-driven solutions to streamline administrative processes and automate operations. This strategic approach results in significant cost savings, allowing the company to offer quality products at a modest price. Representing a bold step forward, this innovative local brand introduces the revolutionary ‘factory-to-home’ concept in sun-shading products, marking a new era of convenience and accessibility in the market.
This achievement is further bolstered by its proficient backend support team, ensuring efficient and effective online customer assistance. The launch of its unmanned showroom reflects zipblinds direct’s commitment to expanding its business by highlighting product quality while keeping operational costs in check.
zipblinds direct is a subsidiary of mc.2, Singapore’s first smart blinds fashion gallery and one of the largest local zip blinds providers. Leveraging mc.2’s extensive experience in zip blinds production, robust R&D capabilities, advanced manufacturing processes, and experienced team, zipblinds direct is able to offer the most competitive prices without compromising on quality.
Join the Zipblinds direct Revolution and Discover the Difference
The unmanned showroom welcomes visitors daily from 10:30 am to 6:30 pm, offering flexible exploration opportunities by appointment. Upon arrival, guests can effortlessly grab a self-guided brochure, providing concise introductions to each zip blinds model and aiding in navigation. Adorning the walls are clear guides and QR code, seamlessly furnishing visitors with detailed company information, ordering guidance, and access to a comprehensive FAQ page. For additional assistance, a virtual assistant is accessible via QR code on the brochure, ensuring a fully immersive experience.
To obtain the quotation, customers can visit zipblinds direct website calculator and enter their balcony specifications. Upon expressing interest, customers can select their preferred site visit date and time. Following the finalization of the quotation and order confirmation, they will receive a link via email to select their preferred installation date and time. This streamlined process eliminates administrative hurdles, providing customers with an effortless experience and cost savings.
“In a market where entrenched technologies often come with high costs due to layers of middlemen and administrative overhead, zipblinds direct stands out by offering a solution that eliminates unnecessary expenses.” says Mr. Wilson Chew, founder of mc.2 and zipblinds direct. “Our streamlined approach bypasses repetitive human labor costs, ensuring that customers receive the lowest possible cost for their zip blinds without compromising in quality. Recognizing the demand for sustainability products in the market, we incorporated the spring system into our zip blinds, leading to the founding of zipblinds direct to cater to this specific need.”
Revolutionizing How Singaporeans Shop for Zip Blinds
The launch of this unmanned showroom transcends traditional retail paradigms, offering a host of advantages to customers:
Ultimate Convenience: zipblinds direct’s unmanned showroom empowers customers to explore and discover their ideal zip blinds at their convenience. Each visitor will be given a one-time pin code to enter the showroom during the operating hours. Simply scan the QR code displayed at the door to receive the one-time pin.
Cost Efficiency: By eliminating the overhead costs associated with brick-and-mortar showrooms, zipblinds direct can channel all these savings directly to customers, ensuring unbeatable prices without compromising quality. Moreover, zipblinds direct eliminates all middleman costs by selling directly to the end consumer. This approach further enhances cost efficiency and value for their customers.
Empowerment through Choice: The unmanned showroom allows customers to explore all the blinds selections at their own pace, tailoring their selections to their individual preferences.
R&D in Singapore, Installed with Care: A point of pride for zipblinds direct is that all zip blinds undergo research and development in Singapore. Furthermore, all products are installed by a team of highly skilled technicians who hold the customer’s best interest and product quality in high regard. This approach ensures that every installation is executed with precision and excellence, providing customers with not only affordability but also utmost reliability.
Commercialization Follows Successful Collaboration with Georgia Tech and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to Bring Technology to Pilot
LIXIL, maker of pioneering water and housing products, today announced it has been named the first commercial license partner for Georgia Tech’s Generation 2 Reinvented Toilet (G2RT) Consortium’s technologies. The G2RT program had a global research team of 95 engineers, scientists, and industrial designers tasked with transforming traditional, infrastructure-dependent toilets into an appliance. LIXIL’s commercial license follows a four-year partnership with Georgia Tech, as well as ongoing collaboration with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation as part of the Foundation’s Reinvent the Toilet Challenge, initiated in 2011.
The G2RT itself is designed to operate independently of traditional infrastructure and provide an accessible, sustainable sanitation solution. Unlike conventional toilets that rely on sewer systems, septic tanks, cesspools, or latrine pits to dispose of waste, the G2RT is equipped with a self-contained processing unit that treats waste directly at the source. When the toilet is used, the liquid waste is purified and recycled for flushing, while the solid waste is subjected to high heat and pressure, eliminating pathogens and transforming it into safe, compostable, dry solids. This process prevents the contamination of water systems, thereby reducing the spread of diseases caused by fecal contamination and waterborne pathogens.
In addition to its public health benefits, reinvented toilets will ultimately offer significant cost savings in construction and installation. By removing the need to connect to sanitation grids or septic systems, this technology can be deployed without the need for extensive infrastructure development, enabling access to sanitation in communities where sewer infrastructure cannot reach.
The G2RT reinvented toilet neutralizes waste within the appliance itself without the need to be connected to a traditional sewage treatment infrastructure. Photo credit: LIXIL
“LIXIL’s purpose is to make better homes a reality for everyone, everywhere, and the reality is that billions globally lack access to basic safe water, sanitation, and hygiene. We believe innovations in decentralizing waste treatment for a low-cost, reliable solution will be key to accelerating access to safe water and sanitation,” said Erin McCusker, Senior Vice President, Leader, SATO and LIXIL Public Partners. “As an appliance-like solution, a ‘Reinvented Toilet’ helps remove barriers to sanitation access, and we’re energized by the idea of continuing to invest in R&D to develop the G2RT into a market-ready product and provide people with improved, flexible, and safe sanitation.”
Georgia Tech’s G2RT designs are standalone appliances that run on electricity, requiring no input water connection and no output sewage connection. In the development of the G2RT and in partnership with Georgia Tech, LIXIL acted as the commercial advisor, front-end designer, and manufacturer, delivering a total of 24 prototypes used for the laboratory and in-home tests across the United States, Europe, South Africa, India, and China. The prototypes were laboratory-tested in the United States and Europe, and then field-tested in people’s homes in South Africa and India. The scientific results suggest that a reinvented toilet product would be able to achieve international sanitation standards, promising a clean, safe, and dignified future for all. As the first commercial licensee, LIXIL will invest in further development to refine these technologies into products suitable for both public and private sector use.
“It has been an honor to partner with LIXIL and lead this global R&D collaboration aimed at turning an infrastructure into an appliance. Looking to the future, we recognize that while half the world needs a toilet, the other half needs a better version,” said Shannon Yee, a mechanical engineering professor at Georgia Tech who directs the G2RT consortium. “So next, our focus will pivot towards helping scale manufacturing of an accessible product, so that Reinvented Toilets can get to the people who need them the most.”
As recently as 2023, 3.5 billion people around the world lacked access to safely managed sanitation services, increasing the risk of diseases like cholera and dysentery. As part of the commercial license, LIXIL is committed to the Gates Foundation’s principle of “Global Access”, which ensures these innovations reach those most in need of access to safe sanitation. LIXIL Public Partners, the company’s public sector engagement and collaboration platform focused on delivering household solutions for water, sanitation, and hygiene, will lead the development and application of G2RT design concepts, including uses for emergency response, for public toilets, and in underserved communities lacking access to traditional sanitation solutions.
“The leadership of companies like LIXIL is vital to bringing new sanitation technologies to market at scale and increasing access to safe sanitation for all,” said Doulaye Kone, Interim Director of the Water, Sanitation & Hygiene Program at the Gates Foundation. “LIXIL’s expertise in designing and delivering products to meet diverse community needs will help ensure that these technologies reach the people that need them most, leading to improved health, productivity, and gender equality.”
Surbana Jurong (SJ) today announced the official opening of SJ Campus, the company’s new global headquarters with a built-up area of 1,200,000 sq ft, at a ceremony graced by Singapore Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Lawrence Wong. Set within CleanTech Park in Jurong Innovation District (JID), the campus is a strategic centre for collaboration, learning, and a living lab for innovative solutions for the built environment. JID is a vibrant ecosystem of enterprises in smart city and urban solutions.
Designed by Safdie Architects working with SJ’s architects, SJ Campus reenvisions the relationship between nature and the workplace. Aligning with the character of Singapore as a “City in Nature”, SJ Campus is a “Campus in Nature” that can accommodate 4,000 onsite employees and the wider community.
For the first time since SJ’s formation as a collective of built environment consultants in 2015, employees from different entities in Singapore finally congregate under one roof. The campus has been designed with both the SJ community and the community-at-large in mind, creating uplifting spaces that maximise engagement, facilitated by the site’s natural setting.
Sean Chiao, Group CEO, SJ, shared: “This campus is more than a global headquarters; it’s a living lab for innovating solutions and pushing the boundaries of sustainable development. Over the years, SJ has assembled a portfolio to inject new thinking and talent into the group, and fuel our capabilities to transform the built environment. In SJ Campus, our diverse talent come together to collaborate and solve our clients’ most complex problems, fulfilling our purpose, Real impact, made together.”
SJ’s multidisciplinary team undertook much of the work that brought the Campus to life, providing consultancy services from architecture, landscape architecture, engineering, and project management, to workplace strategy, integrated facilities management, and security services.
Chaly Mah, Chairman, SJ, remarked: “Today marks a significant milestone in SJ’s evolution. We have a strong platform to continue our aspiration of becoming a leading global architecture, engineering, design consultancy. As we open our doors to the wider community, we invite all to join us in shaping a smart, resilient and regenerative future. Working together with our clients, partners, our people and the community, we are committed to creating a future legacy that is greater than our collective past, one that serves generations to come.”
Situated on a previously undeveloped greenfield site, the SJ Campus design preserves more than half of the site’s existing green space and replaces built-upon green areas with rooftop gardens, lush interior gardens, and extensive exterior landscaping. At the outset, a detailed mapping and analysis of the site was performed to plot the specific location of the existing flora, including a Banyan tree estimated to be over 60 years old.
The ten towers of the campus are linked by a pedestrian spine and enclosed courtyards, that allow for natural light and fresh air. Amenities further enhance the experience, including a 1,000-seater multipurpose area, a junior ballroom, rooftop terraces, a team lounge, table tennis, and soon to be opened, a gym. Many of these spaces take advantage of natural views, with large windows looking onto gardens.
The campus is a destination for walking trail enthusiasts, birdwatchers, cyclists, and families exploring the Jurong Eco-Garden, home to a freshwater swamp, streams and Singapore’s last two dragon kilns. Cyclists are welcome to secure their bicycles at the onsite racks and utilise the campus shower facilities. To complete an outing, visitors can enjoy a meal at the cafeteria nestled within the campus grounds.
The project was awarded the Singapore’s Building and Construction Authority (BCA)’s Green Mark Platinum Super Low Energy (SLE) and BCA-HPB Green Mark Platinum for Healthier Workplaces certification. The campus is designed for maintainability and deploys integrated facilities management to optimise operational efficiency. It is also WELL Pre-Certified by the International WELL Building Institute for having demonstrated a commitment to incorporate health and well-being features and practices. The campus is distinguished by its:
• Engineering for sustainability: Through Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DfMA), SJ constructed precast post-tensioned concrete frames in a unique arrangement, resembling inverted pyramidal cantilevered blocks. These structures form self-shading terraces, reducing solar radiation by a significant 36 per cent. SJ’s design and engineering teams rigorously pursued a performance-based approach, aligning with key sustainability objectives of the project.
• Best-in-class energy efficiency: The campus has adopted one of the largest underfloor air distribution systems in Singapore. This provides efficient cooling from below to target occupied space and improve indoor air quality and additional energy savings of up to 16 per cent of the cooling energy required. Other smart facilities management solutions include an Integrated Command Centre, where IOT devices leverage artificial intelligence and machine learning to monitor energy, water, occupancy patterns, and indoor air quality to optimise carbon management, and improve productivity. These active systems and natural design elements work in combination to achieve an overall energy savings of 41 percent. SJ Campus is estimated to save 4.4 million kWh/year operational energy savings which is equal to avoiding 1,785* tons of carbon dioxide per year, based on Energy Market Authority’s grid emission factor.
• Renewable energy: SJ Campus has successfully integrated a next-generation solar photovoltaic (PV) system using bifacial PV panels, which can produce clean energy when illuminated on either of its surfaces. The solar rooftops in SJ Campus serve as a testbed for advanced PV technologies, energy storage and the deployment of a smart grid. Located in four towers, it has a combined energy yield of 389 MWh per year, which is equivalent to powering 120 three-room HDB flats every year. On-site renewable energy helps to offset Scope 2 emissions, saves energy costs, and earns renewable energy certificates (REC)s.
• Role as a living lab: The campus serves as an incubator for real-world urban solutions to demonstrate the scalability of emerging technologies to the built environment industry. SJ is working with BCA to test-bed low carbon technologies to save energy and improve occupant health.
SJ adopted a “develop and lease” model to fund the development of SJ Campus. SJ secured 100 per cent funding for the development of the property and subsequent lease agreement for the entire land lease tenure from M&G Real Estate, one of the world’s leading financial solutions providers for real estate investors. This arrangement has provided SJ with a compelling long-term and cost-effective solution in developing the property.
Big 5 Construct Saudi serves as a hub for major deals and partnerships as Sustainability Professionals of Saudi Arabia and the Saudi Women Engineering Society sign an MoU
Returning exhibitor Salaba Fasteners announces business expansion into Jeddah, Riyadh, Dammam, Jazan and Tabuk at Big 5 Construct Saudi
Dates announced for Big 5 Construct Saudi 2025 and for the first time in the Middle East the event will be held across two weeks from 15-18 and 24-27 February 2025
The 12th edition of Big 5 Construct Saudi, the largest construction event in the Kingdom concluded in Riyadh, having welcomed 64,331 attendees across four days from 26 to 29 February 2024 at the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Centre at ROSHN Front. The event was held under the patronage of and inaugurated by His Excellency Mr. Majid Abdullah Al-Hogail, the Minister of Municipal, Rural Affairs and Housing in Saudi Arabia.
“As the 2024 edition comes to a close, Big 5 Construct Saudi has celebrated remarkable growth, doubling in size and attracting the largest gathering of construction professionals to Saudi Arabia over the span of four days,” said Muhammed Kazi, Vice President – Construction at dmg events.
“Through fostering valuable partnerships and showcasing advancements in construction technology and practices, the exhibition remains committed to enhancing the Kingdom’s multi-trillion-dollar construction sector.”
New partnerships, market expansion and renewed commitment at Big 5 Construct Saudi
Big 5 Construct Saudi solidified the importance of exhibitions in facilitating strong business relations in the Kingdom, where demand is ripe for new technologies, local and international collaborations as well as unique products & services.
During the exhibition, the Sustainability Professionals of Saudi Arabia (SPSA) and the Saudi Women Engineering Society (SWES), both first-time association partners of the event, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). Signed by Alshaima Abduallah Alshayeb, Founder and Chairwoman of the SWES and Dr. Mohammed Al-Surf, Founder and President of SPSA, the MoU signified a milestone in advancing gender equality in engineering and sustainability practices in alignment with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 objectives.
Returning exhibitor, Salaba Fastners, took to the event to announce business expansion into Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Jazan and Tabuk during this year’s participation. The company specializes in the wholesale supply of construction equipment such as screws, fasteners and industrial tools.
Commenting on their participation, Amir Swailam, Business Development Director, Construction Products Holding Company (CPC), said: “It has been an exhilarating experience to have been a part of Big 5 Construct Saudi 2024. This event provided us with an opportunity to tap into new prospects and leverage the significant market growth in Saudi Arabia. With the upcoming mega projects such as Riyadh Expo 2030 and the World Cup 2034, we are committed to consolidating our position as the primary solution provider for ongoing and future giga projects in the region. We are eager to expand our operations, capitalize on our cutting-edge facilities and patented machinery, and deliver exceptional engineering solutions.” The company has one of the largest manufacturing capacities in Saudi Arabia for the production of specialized construction materials such as precast and ready-mix concrete, steel, cables, aluminum and glass, marble and granite.
Twice the size, twice the opportunity in 2025
Big 5 Construct Saudi has become a pivotal trade exhibition, playing a significant role in fueling the expansion of the Saudi construction market. The growth of the event reflects the rising demand for long-term, fruitful partnerships and advancements within the industry.
In 2025, at Big 5 Construct Saudi, attendees can leverage business activities and opportunities in Saudi Arabia’s construction sector across two weeks. Attracting more than 2,000 exhibitors from over 60 countries, the event will run from February 15-18 focusing on ‘Strong Foundations from Design to Build’ and from February 24-27 on ‘Transforming Projects from Fit-out to Services’.
“It’s the first time in the Middle East that an event will be held across two weeks and is unprecedented in Saudi Arabia’s events landscape. Focusing on the latest in construction design, materials and technologies as well as showcasing interior fit-outs and essential construction services, Big 5 Construct Saudi will shape Saudi Arabia’s construction landscape,” added Kazi.
Saudi Arabia’s largest event for the built environment will be accompanied by eight co-located events including the esteemed HVAC R Expo Saudi, Windows, Doors & Facades Event Saudi, Stone & Surface Saudi Arabia, now rebranded to Marble & Stone Saudi, and FM Expo Saudi, now with an expanded profile and renamed to Saudi FM & Clean. Alongside the already anticipated launch of Saudi Hospital Design & Build Expo, Big 5 will also be introducing two new specialized events in the Kingdom next year: Totally Concrete Saudi and Saudi Urban Design & Landscape Expo.
Totally Concrete Saudi will transform the concrete industry in the Kingdom by bringing in new technologies, sustainable methods and products. Separately, Saudi FM & Clean will highlight FM products & services, commercial cleaning & hygiene for residential, commercial and mixed-use facilities. Saudi Urban Design & Landscape Expo will present design, urban planning and landscape architecture professionals with an opportunity to learn about new products for garden design, irrigation design, landscape maintenance, etc., gain inspiration and forge valuable business connections. “The collective launch of these three shows underscore our commitment to empowering the Saudi construction market with comprehensive solutions and unparalleled opportunities for growth,” concluded Kazi.
Registrations are now open for Big 5 Construct Saudi 2025. The event is free-to-attend for industry professionals, excluding visitors under the age of 18. To register, visit: www.big5constructsaudi.com
Over 100 companies, 70 speakers and 3,000 attendees from ASEAN and beyond are expected to attend this flagship trade event and conference
The fourth edition of Geo Connect Asia (GCA), the region’s leading trade event and conference for the geospatial, positioning and remote sensing industries, opens its doors today at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre in Singapore. The two-day event brings together industry-leading companies, government agencies, institutions and up-and-coming startups to explore the impact of geospatial technologies in Southeast Asia and further their role in fueling economic growth and enriching lives.
GCA 2024 is held alongside co-located shows Drones & Uncrewed Asia, Digital Construction Asia and the inaugural Marine & Hydro Asia, which focus on the latest technologies relating to unmanned aerial vehicles, digital construction, and hydrospatial challenges, respectively.
Guest of Honour Edwin Tong, Minister for Culture, Community and Youth and Second Minister for Law, addressed attendees during the opening ceremony, which was graced by notable attendees from the Singapore Land Authority (SLA); Land Transport Authority; Health Security Agency of the United Kingdom; Lands Department of Hong Kong; Open Geospatial Consortium; and the Geospatial Information Agency of the Republic of Indonesia. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between SLA and the Ministry of Health’s Office for Healthcare Transformation (MOHT), fronted by Colin Low, Chief Executive of SLA and Dr Tan Weng Mooi, Director (Integrated Health Promotion) of MOHT, to enhance the Digital Local Connect initiative – a precinct-based digital resource guide designed to help residents access and navigate health and social services. Mr Colin Low also represented SLA to sign another MOU with SingHealth Community Hospitals, represented by Associate Professor Gan Wee Hoe, Chief Executive Officer of SingHealth Community Hospitals, to co-develop a living asset map of community assets and activities.
The burgeoning global geospatial information and technology market is forecasted to be valued at US$1.37 trillion by 2030, as advancements in remote sensing, location-based analytics and other geospatial solutions shape countless sectors such as construction, agriculture, environment monitoring, supply chain management and natural resource management. APAC is playing a leading role in the ecosystem’s accelerating growth across the globe, with its industry projected to be worth US$216 billion by 2025. The convergence of geospatial technologies is weaving stronger connections between nations, through knowledge sharing and increasing collaboration to the shared challenges that go beyond geographical boundaries.
Rupert Owen, Co-founder of Geo Connect Asia, said, “I am delighted to welcome the industry back to Geo Connect Asia. Following three successful editions, Geo Connect Asia and Digital Construction Asia 2024 bring together the brightest minds from the region and beyond to share proven solutions, and how they can help address some of the most pressing challenges of today.
The launch of Marine & Hydro Asia adds hydrographic content to the overarching theme of ‘underground, land and sea to sky’, while Drones & Uncrewed Asia navigates exciting pathways.”
Colin Low, Chief Executive of the Singapore Land Authority, said, “As the national geospatial and mapping agency, the Singapore Land Authority aims to drive collaboration between public and private agencies, as well as the community. Industry platforms like Geo Connect Asia foster innovation, empower individuals and businesses to leverage the transformative technologies not just for economic development, but to create smarter, geo-enabled outcomes for a more inclusive and sustainable future for all.”
The Geo Market Place
The GCA exhibition is back with an expanded floor space to showcase the widest range of geospatial and related technologies yet. These include spatial analysis software, satellites, remote sensors, mapping systems, laser scanners, unmanned vehicles, ground-penetrating radars, satellite communications services, UAV traffic management platforms, and many more. Leading exhibitors at the main exhibition showground include Trimble, Oracle and NavVis, and pavilions from Singapore and Thailand.
Geo Connect Asia Conference
The conference theme, “Geospatial Driven Impacts: Underground, Land and Sea to Sky”, captures the all-encompassing capabilities of geospatial solutions. With a stellar line-up of speakers across vectors, the programme will facilitate conversations between makers and users of these technologies to unleash their full potential. Notable speakers hail from AECOM, Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT), Lands Department Hong Kong, Petronas, and Portcoast (Vietnam), Ministry of Health Singapore, and GCA Strategic Partner Singapore Land Authority, among many others.
Conference topics include:
The diagnostics of location in improving life quality
Nature-based solutions for future urban development
The promise of AI in construction technology: Industry transforming or a big fat fallacy?
Going global: how the Asia Pacific region is leading the way in autonomous aviation
Living on the edge: Building capacity and sharing to manage natural disasters
Geospatial drivers in speeding up the decarbonisation agenda
Mitigating risks to critical infrastructure assets
Closing plenary: Mainstreaming Geospatial: Harnessing geospatial innovation for healthcare, community, and sustainable development
Sponsors & partners
GCA 2024 is well supported by industry-leading sponsors, including fourth-time Platinum Sponsor Trimble and Sponsor AECOM. Strategic Partners include SGTech, GeoWorks and Singapore Land Authority, and Supporting Partners include ASEAN Flag; Association of Aerospace Industries Singapore; Association of Consulting Engineers Singapore; Aviation Research Centre; Temasek Polytechnic; CDAS Logistics Alliance; GS1 Singapore; Institution of Engineers Singapore; Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology; Open Geospatial Consortium; Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors; Singapore Institute of Building Limited; Singapore Institute of Surveyors and Valuers; Smart Cities Network; Society of Project Managers; and Software Park Thailand.
Pan Pacific Hotels Group (PPHG) has attained the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) Industry Criteria for Hotels certification for its Singapore properties, also achieving the largest number of GSTC-certified room stock and certified properties (hotels & serviced suites) in Singapore – solidifying the Group’s commitment to sustainability and reinforcing its position as a leader in environmentally-conscious hospitality.
The GSTC Criteria is the global standard for sustainable travel and tourism. The GSTC Industry Criteria for Hotels fosters sustainable tourism practices across four key areas: effective sustainability planning, maximising social and economic benefits for the local community, enhancing cultural heritage, and reducing negative impact to the environment.
In February 2024, Pan Pacific Hotels Group attained the GSTC Multi-Site certification for all eight of the Group’s properties in Singapore. Additionally, seven of its properties – Pan Pacific Singapore, PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay, Singapore, PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering, Singapore, PARKROYAL on Beach Road, Pan Pacific Serviced Suites Orchard, Pan Pacific Serviced Suites Beach Road, and PARKROYAL Serviced Suites – have obtained ISO14001 certification, an internationally recognized standard for environmental management systems (EMS). Pan Pacific Orchard, Singapore is in the process of securing ISO14001 certification.
“Attaining the GSTC certification reaffirms PPHG’s commitment to sustainability and responsible business conduct,” said Mr. Choe Peng Sum, CEO of Pan Pacific Hotels Group. “At PPHG, sustainability is imperative and I am grateful for our teams’ immense efforts to attain the GSTC Multi-Site certification. This achievement is aligned with Singapore’s Green Plan 2030 and the Singapore Tourism Board’s (STB) Hotel Sustainability Roadmap – which aims for 60% of hotel room stock in Singapore to attain internationally-recognised sustainability certification by 2025.”
PPHG, with its PARKROYAL COLLECTION brand at the forefront, integrates sustainable practices throughout its operations and hospitality design. This encompasses green building design, cultural immersion, and community engagement to balance economic growth with social responsibility and environmental stewardship. By engaging guests in eco-conscious travel experiences, PPHG has become the first Singapore hotel group to achieve GSTC multi-site certification. The group invests in energy-efficient technologies, water-saving practices, and waste management strategies, such as LED lighting, recycling programs, and filtered tap water in rooms, to reduce its environmental footprint and promote responsible consumption.
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