News Archives

Grundfos Strengthens Its Commitment To Indonesian Market by Opening a SP Sub Factory in Semarang

12 March, 2024/in News /by Editor

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Grundfos, a global leader in advanced pump solutions and sustainable water technologies, has inaugurated its SP Sub Factory in Semarang, Indonesia. This new facility is dedicated to manufacturing Grundfos SP submersible borehole pumps, specifically designed for pumping groundwater. The establishment of this factory underscores Grundfos’ commitment to the Indonesian market and its proactive approach to meet the growing demand for large-scale submersible deep-well pumps in the region.

In partnership with Tehnik Optima Pompa, a respected local industry expert, Grundfos aims to leverage combined expertise to deliver innovative and high-quality pump solutions tailored to the unique requirements of industries in Semarang and across Indonesia. The SP Sub Factory in Semarang reflects the company’s dedication to supporting local content and adhering to Indonesian regulations, fostering integration of local expertise and knowledge-sharing to ensure pumps meet the highest standards required in the Indonesian market.

Boy Ramadhan, Area Sales Manager for Water Utility at Grundfos Indonesia, expressed excitement about strengthening their presence in Semarang with the new factory. This strategic location enhances responsiveness to customer needs and aims to build lasting partnerships, support economic growth, and contribute to the development of the pump industry in Semarang.

The streamlined production processes at the SP Sub Factory enable faster availability and efficient delivery of pump units, addressing the need for timely project completions and smooth operations in Semarang. By bringing production closer to the market, Grundfos seeks to provide quick and reliable service while contributing to the local economy.

Grundfos prioritizes sustainability, evident in the SP Sub Factory’s incorporation of advanced technologies and green production practices aimed at optimizing energy efficiency and minimizing environmental impact. The company aims to support Semarang’s efforts towards a greener future through sustainable practices and production processes.

In addition to sustainability efforts, Grundfos is committed to community engagement and will actively participate in local social responsibility initiatives to support Semarang’s local community development and growth. Launching training programs and workshops for local professionals and technicians in the pump industry further demonstrates Grundfos’ long-term commitment to the Indonesian market, aiming to enhance skills, promote knowledge sharing, and support sustainable industry growth in Semarang and beyond.

Suntec City Office Towers Selects UnaBiz to Enhance Indoor Air Quality for Tenant Comfort

11 March, 2024/in Facility Management, News /by Editor

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Suntec City Office Towers, an iconic integrated commercial development located in the Marina Bay Precinct within Singapore’s Central Business District, embarks on a comprehensive refurbishment project with UnaBiz, Massive IoT service provider and integrator. The large-scale project includes the replacement of existing key equipment to enhance the reliability of the Air-Conditioning and Mechanical Ventilation (ACMV) system, and the installation of an indoor air quality (IAQ) monitoring solution to improve air quality standards and enhance the comfort of tenants in the office environment.

Suntec City is a landmark development which comprises five Grade A office towers, a world-class convention and exhibition centre, and one of Singapore’s largest shopping malls, all of which are interlinked by street-level plazas and underground walkways.

Over the next six months, UnaBiz will work together with ACMV expert, D-Team Engineering, to

Replace the Air Handling Unit (AHU) at the plant room located adjacent to the service corridor.
Replace the Variable Volume Air (VAV) Controller sets located within the office areas.
Deploy close to 800 wireless IAQ monitoring sensors and 50 LoRaWAN gateways to monitor the IAQ levels of all five Suntec City Office Towers to ensure consistent IAQ standards and monitor the performance of the new ACMV systems.

“Suntec City is dedicated to enhancing workspace comfort and upholding a commitment to environmental sustainability through the use of more energy-efficient equipment,” said Steven Kong, Senior Manager of Operations of APM Property Management. “The main purpose of the rejuvenation plan is to help maintain comfort and a stable temperature in all five office towers. A data-driven ACMV system ensures good air quality for shoppers and tenants, while a high energy-efficiency system helps optimise energy consumption and reduce carbon emissions.”

The Suntec office towers comprise five buildings named Towers One through Five with four containing 45 stories and one 18 stories. The latter has 28,000 square feet of net lettable floor area on each floor while the 45-storey towers consist of floor plates ranging from 10,000 to 14,000 square feet. UnaBiz will be installing Milesight IAQ sensors and gateways, with Actility ThingPark Enterprise on-premises IoT platform on a LoRaWAN network for this project. The deployment will be carried out in phases starting with Tower 4, followed by Tower 2, Tower 3, Tower, 1 and Tower 5. In total, there are about 2.3 million square feet of office space. Tower One to Four is 45-storey representing the 4 fingers and Tower 5 is 18-storey representing the thumb.

The IAQ sensor utilised by UnaBiz is a comprehensive 9-in-1 solution that integrates nine types of sensors to measure various ambience conditions including CO2 concentration, temperature, humidity, light, TVOC, barometric pressure, PM2.5, PM10, formaldehyde and motion. This energy-efficient sensor is designed for real-time monitoring and collecting reliable IAQ data 24/7.

Mr Jonathan Tan, Managing Director of UnaBiz Singapore said, “As an IoT service provider and integrator, we are pleased to work with D-Team Engineering, Actility and Milesight to help bring this project to life. The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated to us the importance of IAQ monitoring as the majority of us spend our time indoors. By integrating indoor IAQ monitoring with the new ACMV system, Suntec City can prioritise tenant well-being, and optimise airflow and energy consumption through data-driven ventilation. This integrated solution can help Suntec City achieve both their Social and Environmental goals.”

“Actility is thrilled to provide its QoS-based LoRaWAN IoT mediation solution that will ensure reliable wireless communication towards the whole Suntec complex. Helping to solve real problems with improved air quality and reduced carbon emission is the goal of our communication solutions and part of Actility Core values. We are proud to partner with UnaBiz on such a large-scale project.” said Alban Médici, APAC Managing Director of Actility.

“Milesight is dedicated to promoting greener buildings and enhancing the comfort of its tenants. Utilising our advanced 9-in-1 IAQ sensors and LoRaWAN gateways, building managers can enable optimised, data-driven air quality and streamlined operations for Suntec City Office Towers, effectively elevating its air quality standards and enhancing its tenant’s comfort and well-being,” said Leon Jiang, Vice President of Milesight.

The phased refurbishment works are expected to be completed by 2024 and will continue to strengthen the value propositions of the office towers.

DigiTech ASEAN Thailand 2024 Event Returning Better And Bigger With Co-Located Ai Connect 2024 in November

5 March, 2024/in News /by Editor

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After a hugely successful 2023 edition last November, DigiTech ASEAN Thailand 2024 – the key international exhibition and networking platform to connect and do business with the global tech and digital community – is all set to return bigger and better in Bangkok, Thailand taking place from 20th to 22nd November 2024.

Organized under the theme “Connecting you with global and digital community”, DigiTech ASEAN Thailand 2024 will see the co-location of a dedicated AI industry event called AI Connect 2024 – “Decoding the Future of AI”, to collectively offer digital and technology companies with an effective platform to reach out to their market sectors. This will cover Business Software, E-Commerce & Digital Marketing, Data & Cloud, Smart Solutions & IoT, 5G Technology & Network, Web 3.0, and last by not least, AI solutions and applications.

As the global economy undergoes rapid digital transformation, new technologies, digital tools and solutions are emerging across all business sectors to enable companies to scale up their efficiency, profitability and competiveness.

The Southeast Asian (ASEAN) region is expected to be one of the world’s top five regions for digital applications by 2025, with a digital market size of US$500 billion and over 400 million internet users. Thailand is right in the middle of this rapid growing regional digital market, and Thailand’s digital economy is expected to contribute 30% of its GDP by 2030 driven by its 4.0 digital transformation economic model.

DigiTech ASEAN Thailand 2024 and AI Connect 2024 are organized to serve as important international meeting place for the global technology and digital market community to connect and engage with the South East Asian’s digital market landscape, to seek and forge business partnerships, and opportunities, networking and knowledge exchanges.

Mr. A. Balasubramaniam, Director of Digital Exports at Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) said, “On behalf of MDEC, we are very excited to be a part of this prestigious event that will gather global ASEAN tech and digital companies to connect and exchange innovative ideas as well as knowledge in the digital realm. This effort aligns with MDEC’s Malaysia Digital

(MD) national strategic initiative and Malaysia Digital Catalytic Programmes (PeMangkinMD). We envision a vibrant digital ecosystem that is achieved through partnerships and collaborations with many countries. I strongly believe that these collaborations will play a pivotal role in propelling the digital transformation agenda forward and driving sustainable growth.”

Mr. Nuttapon Nimmanphatcharin, President/CEO of Digital Economy Promotion Agency (depa) said, “DigiTech ASEAN Thailand plays an important role in facilitating the introduction of innovative digital technology trends, advancement and best practices with plenty of knowledge exchanges amongst the digital and tech community.”

DigiTech ASEAN Thailand 2023 attracted over 300 exhibitors from 10 country and attended by over 6,595 trade professionals from 34 countries. The organisers expect this year’s event to be even bigger to attract over 500 exhibitors and 10,000 trade professionals.

Mr. Pramote Phongsuwan, Head of Corporate Marketing & Branding, G-Able Public Company Limited “Today feels like a perfect blend of the public and private sectors. In both commercial and private domains, we’re witnessing trends and solutions being showcased and shared. What makes it fascinating is the integration with the government sector and its influence on the country’s direction. Whether it’s the current hot topics like AI, IoT, data, and cybersecurity, everything is being connected with applications that will have a lasting impact on our businesses, be it in IT or solutions.”

Mr. Thanapong Wongshinsri, Managing Director of Penguin X Co., Ltd. “It’s my first time at this event, and I’m genuinely impressed. We came across numerous solutions for business. What’s remarkable is that it’s not limited to Thai booths; there are also booths from overseas. As an SME, it really opened my eyes to the advancements in technology. The various insightful seminars in different sections added even more value to the experience.”

Mr Loy Joon How, general manager of IMPACT Exhibition Management Co., Ltd, comment, “DigiTech ASEAN Thailand and AI Connect 2024 is about facilitating business deals, partnerships, collaborations and networking amongst our exhibitors and attendees. The event also promise to be yet another dynamic annual platform for participants to exchange views and get updated on latest trends and opportunities.”

DigiTech ASEAN Thailand and AI Connect 2024 will take place at Hall 5 and Hall 6, IMPACT Exhibition and Convention Centre, Bangkok, Thailand from 20th to 22nd November 2024.

For more information, please visit www.digitechasean.com

Pan Pacific Hotels Group Grows Presence In Malaysia With Opening of Parkroyal A’famosa Melaka Resort

4 March, 2024/in News /by Editor

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Pan Pacific Hotels Group (PPHG) brings its modern upscale PARKROYAL brand to Malaysia with the opening of PARKROYAL A’Famosa Melaka Resort. The 213-key resort is nestled within tropical gardens and maintains easy access to Melaka’s main attractions. In line with PARKROYAL’s ethos to providing a gateway to authentic local experiences, the resort will offer activities and collaborations inspired by the rich culture of Melaka. This is the first property in Melaka and the sixth property in Malaysia under PPHG.

Its UNESCO World Heritage status, vibrant street art, and a harmonious blend of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and European heritage make Melaka a compelling destination for those seeking a unique and immersive travel experience. Located just a short drive from the UNESCO Heritage site of Melaka city, PARKROYAL A’Famosa Melaka Resort is within a 5-minute drive to A’Famosa Waterworld and Safari Wonderland, a 15-minute walk to Freeport A’Famosa Outlet & Coach Airways, and a 45-minute drive to the picturesque 1000 Flowers Garden in Ayer Keroh.

Designed to cater to a diverse range of guests, including business travellers, leisure seekers, and families, the resort offers a variety of room types to suit every preference. The rooms and suites are adorned with modern furnishings and fully equipped amenities, catering to both long and short stays.

“With 18.7 million tourists expected to visit Melaka in 2024, the city’s allure makes it an ideal location for PARKROYAL Hotels & Resorts’ continued expansion and operational success,” said Mr. Choe Peng Sum, Chief Executive Officer, Pan Pacific Hotels Group. “Our third resort property in Malaysia, PARKROYAL A’Famosa Melaka opens following the success of PARKROYAL Langkawi Resort and PARKROYAL Penang Resort.”

The resort’s 213 rooms and suites showcase the charm of Peranakan influence through the use of timber and Peranakan tiles in the design, paying homage to the rich heritage of Melaka. Adorned with calming accents, each spacious room features an al fresco balcony, providing guests with a breathtaking view of lush tropical gardens and a nearby 27-hole golf course.

Besides its convenient location, in close proximity to some of Melaka’s best-loved attractions, PARKROYAL A’Famosa Melaka Resort offers extensive facilities and F&B offerings. Spice Brasserie offers international cuisine, with dynamic live cooking stations enhancing the atmosphere, whilst Ya Yuen Chinese restaurant offers fine Cantonese cuisine in an elegant setting. The Pool Lounge offers refreshing drinks and light tapas bites throughout the day.

At SUASANA Spa, guests can indulge in wellness and beauty treatments inspired by the ancient culture and traditions of local healing practices. The resort’s grand ballroom, accommodating up to 700 guests, and seven additional meeting rooms provide flexibility for both business and social occasions. The resort also boasts a swimming pool, dedicated kids pool, playroom and gymnasium.

Lintec & Linnhoff Pens Exclusive Distributor Agreement With MEDCO in Saudi Arabia

2 March, 2024/in News /by Editor

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Effective February 2024, the exclusive distributor agreement aims to further expand Lintec & Linnhoff’s business presence in the Middle East
MEDCO will be responsible for the sales of Lintec and Linnhoff Asphalt Mixing and Concrete Batching Plants

Lintec & Linnhoff today announced the signing of an exclusive distributor agreement for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with Middle East Development Co. Ltd. (MEDCO) at Big 5 Construct Saudi 2024. Christabel Chan, Global Business Director and Tony Chakra, Regional Sales Manager, Middle East and Africa at Lintec & Linnhoff signed the agreement with Mohammed Khashoggi, Vice President at MEDCO to reinforce the company’s firm commitment to the Saudi Arabian market. This latest announcement comes just a few weeks after Lintec & Linnhoff announced a distributor agreement with Tutt Bryant in Australia.

The MEDCO distributor agreement will cover the full range of Lintec & Linnhoff’s Asphalt Mixing and Concrete Batching Plants, including but not limited to the Lintec CSD Containerised Asphalt Mixing Plant and Lintec UCP Ultra Concrete Batching Plants.

Tony Chakra said, “As we participate in Saudi Arabia’s largest construction event, Big 5 Construct Saudi, we can think of no better occasion to announce our partnership with MEDCO. The company has represented Lintec & Linnhoff in the Middle East region over the last two years and sold several Lintec CSD Containerised Asphalt Mixing Plants and Lintec UCP Ultra Concrete Batching Plants. We are therefore confident that this partnership will help the company better serve our customers thanks to their unwavering commitment to the efficient delivery of equipment, support services and spare parts. We look forward to a highly fruitful relationship, as we continue to build our business presence in the region.”

Delivering Value to Customers

MEDCO is a leading dealer of premium industrial and construction equipment in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The company was founded in 1967 by Sk. Saleh and Ibrahim A. Alfadl and is a 100% Saudi Arabian-owned business. A significant part of Saudi Arabia’s infrastructure has been built with the quality brands that are represented by MEDCO and many airports, highways, and buildings have benefited from the premium and high-quality products supplied and supported by MEDCO.

With over 170 employees operating from eight branches and facilities across the Kingdom, MEDCO’s highly trained and experienced personnel offer professional equipment and machinery sales, backed by full technical support, servicing, and maintenance, together with a comprehensive inventory of spare parts.

Emad Mukhalalaty, General Manager at MEDCO said, “We are excited to add Lintec and Linnhoff Asphalt Mixing and Concrete Batching Plants to our company’s portfolio of equipment brands. Given Lintec & Linnhoff’s renowned reputation in the construction equipment market and the solid existing relationship between the two organisations, we have great confidence that this agreement will provide new and exciting opportunities for our customers across the Kingdom.”

Grundfos Announces Strong 2023 Results And Delivers On Sustainability Ambitions

29 February, 2024/in News /by Editor

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Grundfos delivered healthy sales growth in 2023 while reducing its own water and energy footprint as well as supporting customers in lowering their water and energy consumption.

Building on the solid performances of recent years, Grundfos realised record sales of EUR 4.6bn. This represents a sales growth of 4.2 percent in line with strategic ambitions. EBIT before special items also grew; to a record EUR 578m against EUR 529m in 2022. The EBIT result equals a 12.5 percent profit margin.

Growing key markets

“We are satisfied with our financial results. We have worked hard to maintain our leadership position, grow sales, and deliver solid earnings. Despite a worldwide market slowdown, where we experienced lower demand in the second half of 2023, we managed to deliver full-year growth in key markets like Germany and UK as well as double-digit growth in the US. Equally important, customer satisfaction was at an all-time high and we made strong progress towards delivering on our water and climate ambitions,” said Poul Due Jensen, Group President and CEO of Grundfos.

Other significant highlights from Grundfos’ 2023 include double-digit growth within both the Commercial Building Services division and the newly acquired industrial water treatment business.

Sustainability progress

During 2023 Grundfos managed to reduce its total CO2 emissions by nine percent year-on-year, as well as reduce its own water consumption by seven percent. Finally, as 99 percent of the company’s emissions stem from installed products in use, great efforts have been made in terms of product innovation and sales initiatives to drive energy and water efficiency for Grundfos customers.

“We want to lead by example through actions, and I am exceedingly proud of the sustainability progress we have made in 2023, both when it comes to our own emissions and water reduction and how we have helped our customers to save energy and water as well as providing clean water access to millions of people in need,” said Poul Due Jensen, adding:

“All Grundfos colleagues have done a fantastic job enabling Grundfos to achieve all these hard earned results and live up to our promise to respect, protect and advance the flow of water, and we are very pleased that while doing this, we achieved the highest employee satisfaction ever.”

The Group Annual Financial Statements are reported in Danish Kroner (DKK). Euro figures are converted at a fixed DKK/EUR exchange rate of 7.45.

GuocoLand Unveils Lentor Mansion: First Launch Based on New URA Guidelines

28 February, 2024/in News /by Editor

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GuocoLand Limited has unveiled its latest residential development, Lentor Mansion, in Singapore’s Lentor Hills estate. The development features 533 residential units across three 16-storey towers and three 8-storey blocks, making it the largest site and lowest in density in the Lentor area. Lentor Mansion draws inspiration from Singapore’s iconic black-and-white bungalows and offers luxury living amidst a lush, verdant landscape.

Residents of Lentor Mansion can look forward to an idyllic lifestyle with various facilities available within the development, including an on-site childcare center. The Lentor Modern mall and Lentor MRT station are just a short 5-minute sheltered walk away, providing convenience to residents. The mall is expected to open in 2026 and will offer a range of services and unique food and beverage options. Lentor MRT station provides easy access to different parts of Singapore.

Designed to accommodate families of all sizes, including multi-generational households, Lentor Mansion offers a range of unit types starting from 2-bedroom units. Notably, it introduces the first 5-bedroom units in the Lentor Hills estate among the new developments.

Ms. Dora Chng, Residential Director at GuocoLand, highlighted their hallmark-efficient layouts and space utilization, stating, “Lentor Mansion carries GuocoLand’s hallmarks of efficient layouts and use of space that maximizes the liveability of our developments. We have incorporated flexibility into each unit’s design and layout to cater to different family needs. For example, our 4- and 5-bedroom units can have their dining spaces expanded to host larger gatherings of up to 12 persons.”

Lentor Mansion is the first private residential development launched under the new Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) guidelines, which harmonize strata and gross floor areas. Buyers will only pay for the actual liveable space, with prices at Lentor Mansion starting from S$1.149 million for a 2-bedroom unit and going up to S$3.176 million for a 5-bedroom unit. Prices per square foot start from S$2,082, as per the new URA guidelines.

The double-storey clubhouse at Lentor Mansion, named “The Mansion,” serves as a grand drop-off point and offers various amenities, including function rooms, a verandah, and a business center. The development also features a range of recreational amenities such as a Grand Lawn, tennis court, lap pool, jacuzzi, and children’s play area.

Lentor Mansion is surrounded by lush greenery and provides access to nearby nature parks such as Thomson Nature Park, Lower Peirce Reservoir Park, and Windsor Nature Park. It is also located close to renowned educational institutions like CHIJ St. Nicholas Girls’ School and Anderson Primary School.

Lentor Mansion is a joint venture between GuocoLand and Hong Leong Holdings and is targeted to be completed by the end of 2027. It will be GuocoLand’s first residential development to be certified Green Mark Platinum by the Building and Construction Authority.

CBRE Appointed As Lead Leasing Agency For Grade-A Office Tower, One Causeway Bay

27 February, 2024/in News /by Editor

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CBRE has been appointed by Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group as the Lead Leasing Agency to provide office leasing and marketing consulting services for the new Grade A commercial building “One Causeway Bay” at 281 Gloucester Road, Causeway Bay, which is due for completion by the second quarter of 2025.

One Causeway Bay is situated in the site of the former Excelsior Hotel in Hong Kong, in the district that exemplifies youthfulness and vibrancy. The site, historically known as East Point, was acquired by James Matheson for Hong Kong’s first godowns even before the territory became a British colony in 1841, and so enjoys legendary local status as Hong Kong’s famed “Lot No.1”.

The redevelopment of One Causeway Bay is conveniently located within a two-minute walk from the Causeway Bay MTR Station and is seamlessly connected to the Greater Central area in just 8 to 10 minutes by subway. The project is also easily accessible by various means of public transportation that allows tenants and visitors to travel to different parts of Hong Kong with ease and flexibility.

When completed, One Causeway Bay will provide around 500,000 sq. ft. of office space across 24 floors and 55,000 sq. ft. of retail, entertainment, and dining space in the 4-level retail podium and the two rooftop levels. The building is designed by world renowned architects Kohn Petersen Fox and Ronald Lu & Partners. The building’s external façade will consist of tempered glass, giving it a sleek and contemporary appearance and providing a panoramic view of the breathtaking Victoria Harbour. Each office level will boast a clear ceiling height of 2.9m and a typical floor plate of approx. 20,000 sq. ft. in lettable area, enabling flexible and efficient layout designs and maximizing open views. Located next to Victoria Park and with direct access to the Harbourfront trail, future occupants of One Causeway Bay are seamlessly provided with a great work-life balance.

One Causeway Bay will integrate a variety of the state-of-the-art green and smart features that are aimed at enhancing tenant wellness, operational efficiency and minimizing environmental impact. These features include, energy saving LED lighting system in the building, and an air purification system that maintains high air quality. In addition, with the installation of photovoltaics, renewable energy will be generated, and energy consumption will be lowered to reduce carbon footprint, while rainwater will be harvested and recycled for irrigation and air conditioning use. The addition of greenery on the rooftop, terrace and balcony will create a rejuvenating space for tenants. Having achieved pre-certifications for platinum grading from BEAM Plus, LEED, and WELL also in the process of obtaining platinum grading for Smartscore and Wirescore, One Causeway Bay presents itself as an optimal choice for companies seeking real estate solutions that contribute to their ESG objectives.

Laurent Kleitman, CEO of Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group said, “The transformation of One Causeway Bay into a world-class office building is one the city’s most prominent undertakings and we are pleased to be partnering with KPF, Ronald Lu & Partners, Gammon Construction and CBRE on this unique redevelopment project. The overall project is aligned with the Group’s commitment to ensuring excellence and quality in every aspect of the design and construction, with particular emphasis on best practices in sustainable building. We have also appointed Hongkong Land to provide their renowned, best-in-class asset management services. Upon completion, the complex will not only offer exceptional working spaces for tenants, but also a wide variety of international restaurants and bars to cater for tenants and visitors. The project is due to be completed by the second quarter of 2025 and is set to become a new landmark in the heart of Causeway Bay.”

Ada Fung, Executive Director, Head of Advisory & Transaction Services – Office, CBRE Hong Kong, said: “We are delighted to be appointed as the lead leasing agency for the office space of this remarkable redevelopment project. Causeway Bay is a very unique location in the heart of Hong Kong, best known for its dynamism and vibrancy, an energetic place to work, live, and play. The brand-new One Causeway Bay will stand out at this exclusive historical location, with the incomparable view of the world-acclaimed Victoria Harbour and its bustling surroundings. This new commercial building will become an icon of Causeway Bay, an ideal choice for tenants who seek a sense of excitement and inspiration in life.”

Joining forces: Malaysian based MFE Formwork Technology is now part of Doka

22 February, 2024/in News /by Editor

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Doka, a global leader in formwork and scaffolding, now combines its strengths with Malaysian-based MFE Formwork Technology, market leader in monolithic aluminium formwork. Doka and MFE – together, they are now the major player in the Asia-Pacific region. For customers, this means innovative solutions from a single source.

With this acquisition, Doka has achieved another significant milestone in its strategic growth plan and thus strengthen its position in Southeast Asia and the Pacific region, an important growth market alongside North America.

Robert Hauser, CEO Doka GmbH, says: “I am very pleased to finally announce that MFE is now part of Doka and thus part of the global Umdasch Group. We have been in a sales partnership for many years, which we are now taking to the next level. MFE is an experienced company with great expert know-how and state-of-the-art production facilities. Its innovative and high-quality products are highly appreciated by

its customers.”

Perfect completion in product portfolio as well as global reach

Founded in 1991, MFE has become a world leader in monolithic aluminium formwork solutions. Using monolithic formwork allows elements such as slabs and walls to be formed in a single pour, resulting in a seamless, jointless structure. This technique is particularly suited to projects with less complex and repetitive geometric requirements. With its headquarters in Malaysia and more than 2,200 employees, the company has established itself as a reliable partner for efficient construction projects and sets standards in the construction industry. Doka, on the other hand, is the specialist for steel formwork in combination with timber and is characterized by solutions in the large-scale sector, for example in high-rise, infrastructure or power plant construction.

“By joining our forces we create a unique one-stop-shop formwork portfolio for our customers. With the right formwork solution for every project and size at hand, we can now respond to our customers’ needs even better. Additionally, we offer scaffolding solutions from a single source, making us unbeatable”, states Robert Hauser.

MFE, on the other hand, gains a robust owner as Doka has an extensive global sales network and is active in over 60 countries with more than 170 locations. “Today marks an important landmark in our 35- year history. We are excited about joining the Doka-family, which opens up new horizons for collaboration and enhances our ability to reach a wider audience globally. Together, we look forward to leveraging our combined strengths and expertise to drive innovation and provide unparalleled solutions to our customers around the world”, says Jim Robinson, Group Chairman, MFE Group of Companies

Big 5 Construct Saudi, Under The Patronage Of The Ministry Of Municipal, Rural Affairs And Housing In The Kingdom, Shapes The Future Of Construction

21 February, 2024/in News /by Editor

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Big 5 Construct Saudi features 1,300+ local and international exhibitors from 47 countries showcasing 20,000+ products, 13 country pavilions and attracts 55,000+ visitors
Saudi Contractors Authority (SCA) to host International Contracting Conference (ICC) at Big 5 Construct Saudi featuring dialogues around urban construction, smart cities, sustainability and advanced building techniques

For the first time, Big 5 Construct Saudi has garnered the patronage of the Ministry of Municipal, Rural Affairs and Housing, highlighting the event’s significant role in promoting construction sector growth

Held under the patronage of His Excellency Mr. Majid Abdullah Al-Hogail, the Minister of Municipal, Rural Affairs and Housing in Saudi Arabia, the 12th edition of Big 5 Construct Saudi, the largest construction event to be ever held in the Kingdom, organized by dmg events, is gearing up to welcome visitors from 26 to 29 February 2024 at the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center.

Aligned with the goals of Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia has successfully launched nearly $1.25 trillion worth of real estate and infrastructure projects since 2016 (Source: Knight Frank). Big 5 Construct Saudi, which brings together companies from around the world to support the country’s ambitious transformation, is strongly positioned to further bolster the construction industry’s robust growth outlook.

This year, Big 5 Construct Saudi features the International Contracting Conference (ICC) organized by Saudi Contractors Authority (SCA) and dmg events, the leading international events organizer in the Kingdom.

Commenting on the partnership, Abdulmajid AlRashoudi, Governor of SCA, says: “Hosting the International Contracting Conference at Big 5 Construct Saudi symbolizes our dedication to highlighting the opportunities, discussing the challenges and facilitating dialogues to further boost the contracting sector in the Kingdom. By bringing together leading local and international contracting minds at the two-day conference, we are not only shaping the future of Saudi Arabia’s construction landscape but also strengthening our position as an enabler of advancements in the contracting sector.”

Muhammed Kazi, Vice President – Construction at dmg events, says: “Once again, we embark on a remarkable partnership with the SCA, this time to host the International Contracting Conference at Big 5 Construct Saudi, which brings together the entire construction value chain. Serving as a catalyst for the sector’s future advancement, ICC will showcase global contracting experts aiming to propel the industry forward at Big 5 Construct Saudi, where groundbreaking ideas, innovative technologies and unparalleled expertise converge.”

Strategic discussions to take the spotlight at ICC

In its 4th edition, the International Contracting Conference (ICC) gathers the top contractors and international contracting experts in the Kingdom for two days of insightful dialogues and discussions focusing on topics such as urban construction, smart cities, sustainability and advanced building techniques. The conference features over 25 speakers in 12 insightful sessions.

Across two days of high-level discussions, the conference welcomes a panel of speakers, including Guilherme Jacobucci, Executive Director, WSP, to share a detailed analysis and understanding of the current state of the construction industry and provide valuable insights into the challenges, opportunities and key factors shaping the contracting landscape in the Kingdom.

Jad Ibrahim, Vice President of Support Services, Shade Corporation, highlights the evolving landscape of workforce management in the contracting sector. At a time when Saudi Arabia continues to exhibit the strongest Construction Activity Index both regionally and globally, according to the Global Construction Monitor report by RICS, the need to drive recruitment, training and retention of the skilled workforce is crucial to the operational success of the mega and giga construction projects pipeline.

Also joining the lineup of speakers is Alfonso Senatore, Senior Vice President and Head of Sustainability, Sports Boulevard Foundation, who will shed some light on contractors’ Role in achieving Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 for sustainability.

Big 5 Construct Saudi represents full construction value chain

Taking place from 26-29 February 2024, at the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Convention Centre, Big 5 Construct Saudi attracts 55,000+ attendees and 1,300+ local and international exhibitors from 47 countries showcasing 20,000+ products.

Co-located with four specialized events HVAC R Expo Saudi, FM Expo Saudi, Stone & Surface Saudi Arabia and Windows, Doors & Facades Event Saudi, the exhibition covers 14 product sectors. These include building envelope & construction, building interiors & finishes, building materials & tools, building security & access control, intelligent buildings, offsite & modular construction, kitchen & bathroom, plant machinery & vehicles, and solar & MEP, in addition to the new sectors launched this year, such as concrete, construction technologies, paints, steel and urban design & landscape.

Big 5 Construct Saudi is free to attend for industry professionals. Visitor registrations are open at www.big5constructsaudi.com.