Product Archives

zipblinds direct Launches Singapore’s First Unmanned Zip Blinds Showroom, Revolutionizing the Shopping Experience with Unbeatable Affordability (1)

9 April, 2024/in News, Product /by Editor

Reading Time: 3 minutes

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.

LG Named 2024 Energy Star Partner of the Year

6 April, 2024/in Product /by Editor

Reading Time: 2 minutes

LG Electronics has been named 2024 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year-Sustained Excellence by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Energy. This honour recognizes LG’s exemplary commitment to fighting climate change and protecting the environment through leadership in ENERGY STAR certified products and promotions. This marks the 11th time since 2012 that LG has been named Partner of the Year.

“ENERGY STAR supports LG’s ‘Innovation for a Better Life’ brand mission, which means creating a better life for people and a better future for our planet through smart life solutions,” said Chris Jung, president and CEO, of LG Electronics North America. “2023 marked an inflection point for LG’s strategy to help drive the electrification movement across America with ENERGY STAR certified products – from heat-pump-enabled HVAC systems, water heaters and clothes dryers to induction cooktops and EV chargers, as well as energy storage and management systems – all enabling broader decarbonisation goals.”

The EPA recognized LG for its robust participation in various ENERGY STAR campaigns and promotions, helping to educate tens of millions of American consumers about greener living with LG and ENERGY STAR, driving a record 8.3 billion consumer impressions. The 2024 Partner of the Year award recognises a number of key LG ENERGY STAR accomplishments last year.

LG was the first to certify induction cooktops and ranges to the new ENERGY STAR cooking specification finalised in October 2023. LG also was ENERGY STAR Partner to certify dishwashers to the ENERGY STAR Version 7 specification, and all new models earned the “ENERGY STAR Most Efficient 2023” designation.

EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan congratulated LG and other ENERGY STAR award winners for “innovation and leadership in delivering cost-effective energy-efficient solutions that create jobs, address climate change, and contribute to a healthier environment for all.” He said, “President Biden’s Investing in America agenda creates an unprecedented opportunity to build a clean energy economy, and private sector partners through programs like ENERGY STAR are leading the way.”

Each year, the ENERGY STAR program honours a select group of businesses and organizations that have made outstanding contributions to energy efficiency and the transition to a clean energy economy. ENERGY STAR award winners lead their industries in the production, sale, and adoption of energy-efficient products, homes, buildings, services, and strategies. These efforts have saved more than 5 trillion kilowatt-hours of electricity over the past 30 years.

Acousticork by Amorim Underscreeds Have a Negative Carbon Balance

29 November, 2023/in News, Product /by Editor

Reading Time: 2 minutes

A Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) study conducted by Itecons confirms that Acousticork by Amorim U36 and U38 floor mats have a negative carbon balance. These innovative solutions, produced by Amorim Cork Composites, contribute to the performance of the flooring solutions where they are applied, in terms of acoustic insulation and thermal comfort, while at the same time improving air quality.

According to the study conducted by Itecons, Acousticork U36 and U38 underscreeds have a negative carbon balance of -13.6 kg CO₂ eq/ m2 and -24.5 kg CO₂ eq/ m2, respectively. This means that the carbon sequestered by the cork oak forest, associated with the cork used in these products, is greater than the CO₂ emissions resulting from their production.

The Life Cycle Assessment study of the Acousticork U36 and U38 floor mats was conducted by Itecons, in order to determine the environmental impact of the U36 [6/3], U36 [8/4], U38 [12/6] and U38 [17/8] floor mats produced by Amorim Cork Composites. Two Environmental Product Declarations were thereby obtained, which are available in the EPD system.

This study considered the following life cycle modules: Extraction and processing of raw materials (A1), Transport to the factory (A2), Production (A3) and End of life (C1-C4). The LCA study was conducted in accordance with international standards EN ISO 14040, EN ISO 14044 and EN 15804, as well as the requirements specified in the RCP (Rules for Product Categorisation) documents.

The study also calculated the carbon balance of these products, using a methodology supplied by Amorim Cork Composites, which takes into account both the carbon sequestered by the cork oak forest and the GHG emissions from the production stage, calculated using the methodology of the EN 15804 standard.

Acousticork U36 and U38 underscreeds are made from circular economy materials and cork – a 100% natural, reusable and recyclable raw material. They offer high performance and impact resistance, enabling greater durability over time. They are therefore quality options for customers seeking to achieve a balance between performance and environmental sustainability.

The study’s results reinforce Corticeira Amorim’s position in terms of developing a business activity that promotes the conservation of ecosystems and climate regulation since it offers customers products with CO2 sequestration levels that are higher than the emissions associated with their production, as well as offering an alternative to synthetic-based solutions, thereby minimising dependence on the use of fossil fuels. These results also reinforce the company’s commitment to sustainable innovation and the constant search for solutions that benefit both the environment and customers.

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Bentley Systems Announces Seequent’s Acquisition of Geothermal Simulation Leader Flow State Solutions

13 November, 2023/in News, Product /by Editor

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Bentley Systems, Incorporated recently announced that Seequent, The Bentley Subsurface Company, has signed an agreement to acquire Flow State Solutions, an industry leader in geothermal simulation software. The move further solidifies Seequent’s position as the most comprehensive subsurface software provider for the geothermal industry.

Flow State Solutions’ geothermal reservoir, wellbore, and surface network simulation software helps project developers and operators better understand geothermal resources for asset development and optimisation and improved well performance. Combining Flow State Solutions’ Volsung portfolio with Seequent’s capabilities creates the most robust end-to-end solution for reservoir analysis available. Detailed models of the subsurface built in Leapfrog Energy can be utilised in Flow State Solutions’ simulation environment to build a full picture of a geothermal asset.

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Geothermal industry leaders are already utilising both solutions to better understand their resources. Simon Webbison, Vice President, Exploration and Resource Management, Ormat Technologies Inc., said, “Ormat Technologies is one of the largest and most active geothermal companies globally, and we are delighted to see the combination of Seequent and Flow State Solutions software capabilities through this acquisition. We already use both companies’ software to better understand our geothermal assets and predict performance, and we are looking forward to working with the joint team to continue driving our success.

Graham Grant, CEO, Seequent, said, “We are delighted to welcome the Flow State Solutions team to Seequent. Geothermal has the potential to help solve the world’s biggest energy challenges. With this acquisition, Seequent’s best-in-class subsurface analysis software enables a full understanding of geothermal asset performance.”

Flow State Solutions co-founder Jonathon Clearwater, who joins Seequent as Technical Domain Expert, Reservoir Engineering, said, “We are excited to join Seequent’s energy team. By combining Seequent’s expertise and our technical capability in geothermal modeling, we are looking forward to making a significant contribution to the renewable energy transition through improved management of natural resources.”

Grundfos Introduces New Range of End-Suction Pumps to Advance Asia Pacific’s Smart Green Cities

12 September, 2023/in News, Product /by Editor

Reading Time: 3 minutes

As demand for intelligent solutions in the region accelerates to build more connected, resilient, and sustainable cities, Grundfos has launched its new NK and NKE range in Asia-Pacific. The new long-coupled end-suction pumps feature industry-leading energy efficiency, with the premium NKE range utilising smart technology to bring ease of use, monitoring capabilities, and greater connectivity.

Being one of the most vulnerable regions in terms of climate risks (1), Asian countries are increasingly focusing their sustainability efforts on the built environment, as this sector is responsible for nearly a quarter of total energy consumption and energy-related carbon emissions (2). Smart cities leveraging intelligent technology for their operations are now on the rise, as they can achieve more efficient use of resources such as energy and water.

As multi-purpose pumps that play a role in a variety of different applications in areas including cooling and heating in commercial buildings, Grundfos introduced the new and improved NK and NKE range to complement its strong portfolio of energy-efficient water solutions, providing customers with a holistic range of highly efficient solutions at every level.

Achieving tomorrow’s efficiency demands today

The new NK and NKE range offer industry-leading energy efficiency as standard. All pumps are built to IE3 as a minimum, which reduces energy consumption and operation costs and exceeds all current regulatory requirements. For even greater control and efficiency, the premium NKE range is able to operate up to the highest IE5 efficiency, achieved through intelligent features such as an integrated permanent magnet MGE motor with variable frequency drive, and built-in pressure sensor.

These features work together in detecting and adjusting water pressure and flow intuitively, ensuring optimum conditions 24/7. With these intelligent components built directly into the solution, NKE removes the need to install any external components such as controllers, frequency converters, and sensors, which can add further complexity and costs to the process.

Intelligent control and monitoring at your fingertips

Combining cloud connectivity and digitalisation, the NKE range also allows for remote monitoring and access over the system, enabling intelligent control right at your fingertips. This makes NKE compatible with today’s building automation and building management systems. Users can monitor, control, and schedule water use from their smartphone with the Grundfos GO REMOTE app, available for both iOS and Android operating systems.

With the ability to manage tasks anytime when in range, NKE reduces the need for manpower, lowering operating costs. Users can also easily access pump diagnostics, and create and email reports on-site from the app. This ensures any operational issues can be quickly addressed, reducing unnecessary downtime and maintenance costs, and ultimately extending the lifespan of their end-suction pumps.

Designed and built to last

In addition to their advanced efficiency and intelligent upgrades, the new NK and NKE range also include significant technical improvements to maximise reliability and durability, enabling the pumps to be installed, operated, and maintained more easily. Notably, Grundfos utilised a single manufacturing process which eliminates misalignment, producing longer-lasting seals and bearings.

The pumps also boast improved hydraulics, which supports the overall efficiency in water flow conditions. The new pump design allows users to easily access the mechanical seal without the removal or disruption of other components. Other improvements include greater noise reduction and an increased temperature range.

Kenth Hvid Nielsen, Regional Managing Director, APAC, Commercial Buildings, Grundfos, said, “Rapid urbanisation, demographic shifts, and climate change in Asia-Pacific are key drivers for the need for smarter and more sustainable solutions to build more resilient future cities. As the first company in the water solutions sector to receive full validation of our 2050 net-zero target from the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi), we are proud to launch the new NK and NKE range, which not only contributes to the region’s development of smart cities but also aligns with Grundfos’ climate commitments. With the new offering, we look forward to delivering more sustainable, efficient, and cost-effective pump solutions with shorter lead times and locally supported services across Asia Pacific.”

Philips Hue Integrates Smart Lighting, Sensors & Cameras to Help Secure Your Home

11 September, 2023/in Product, Technology & Softwares /by Editor

Reading Time: 5 minutes

Signify (Euronext: LIGHT), one of the world leaders in lighting, recently announced the launch of a new product category with Philips Hue Secure smart cameras, sensors, and app features to help secure your home. Philips Hue Secure allows you to monitor your home in real-time, and it offers instant motion alerts and unique light and sound alarms to help deter intruders. The new Security Center in the Philips Hue app offers even more advanced features when users subscribe to a plan. Other updates include Philips Hue Festavia string lights for both indoors and outdoors and the launch of Matter for all Philips Hue users.

Keep an eye on your home with Philips Hue Secure cameras

Philips Hue Secure cameras feature a clear 1080p HD video feed with night vision to help you monitor your home in real-time and trigger instant motion notifications. You can help deter intruders by triggering the unique combination of Philips Hue lights and sound alarms, or you can activate two-way talk to tell a delivery person to leave the package or just say “Hi!” to a friendly face.

Philips Hue cameras feature end-to-end encryption by default, ensuring any video clips, snapshots, and live views remain private. Specifically, the capability to recognize whether a notification is triggered by a person, a pet or a package runs on the camera itself instead of the cloud, which means end-to-end encryption is always enabled.

Suitable for both indoors and outdoors, Philips Hue Secure cameras are available in both a battery and wired version, as well as in the colours black or white. The Secure wired camera can be used with a convenient desktop stand, giving you optimal flexibility to place it around the home. Both cameras can also be placed outside with the Secure camera mount with ground spike and can be easily connected to Philips Hue’s existing low-voltage outdoor system.

Specifically developed for outdoor use, the Philips Hue Secure floodlight camera brings the best of the Philips Hue system together. It allows you to keep an eye on the backyard, patio, or driveway, and — when you trigger a light alarm from the Philips Hue app — the floodlight immediately illuminates a large area in any colour, such as bright white or even red. For all Philips Hue Secure cameras, a low-voltage outdoor charging cable and anti-drop cable are available.

Get alerted when doors and windows open with contact sensors

The Philips Hue Secure contact sensor — which can be used on doors, windows, cabinets, and more and is available in the colours black or white — sends real-time notifications when the contact sensor is opened or closed. For example, you can program your front door contact sensor to turn on your hallway lights and send a notification, so you can immediately check for potential intruders. You can also use the contact sensor to simply automate your lights anywhere else in the home: for example, you can program your lights to turn on and off when you open and close a cabinet or bathroom door.

All-new Security Center in the Philips Hue app

The Philips Hue app now features the new Security Center to control your smart home security system. When you receive a notification, you can tap it to open the app. From the Take action screen, you can manually trigger an alarm that flashes your lights, sound the siren on your Secure camera, or call the local authorities or a trusted contact.

Using the Philips Hue app, you can personalise your camera settings. Create Blackout zones, which make certain areas of the video feed private, or Activity zones, which prevent areas from sending notifications — particularly useful for busy sidewalks in front of the house. Users can arm and disarm the system, set up special armed states for whether they are home or away, review a timeline of events, and more.

“As the world leader in smart lighting, we know that light plays a major role when it comes to security. After previously having introduced innovations like Philips Hue motion sensors and the Mimic presence automation, we’re now extending with a full suite of solutions for home security in day-to-day life. By integrating our smart lighting system with cameras, contact sensors, and app features, we offer a unique security solution through light to help users secure their homes. And it doesn’t end here, as we will continue to build and innovate to unlock the potential of lighting and security for our users,” said Jasper Vervoort, Business Leader Philips Hue at Signify.

How to access Philips Hue Secure

Philips Hue Secure starter kits and bundles conveniently combine a variety of products to start experiencing the new Philips Hue Secure system. The Philips Hue Bridge is required for the full suite of Philips Hue Secure products and their advanced features, such as the contact sensor, floodlight camera, light and sound alarms, automation, and more.

In order to ensure the privacy and security of the Philips Hue smart home security system, it’s essential for users to have a Philips Hue account. Philips Hue accounts give users immediate access to their Philips Hue system and security features (even when they are away). Accounts also allow the administrators of a Philips Hue system to control individual member permissions in the app. Administrators can restrict members to only control the lighting, to control the lighting and arm/disarm the security system, or to have full control over the lights and security system.

Additional security features, which include access to Activity zones and detecting if a person, package, animal, or vehicle triggered the alert, can be unlocked with a paid plan. The Basic plan provides access to 30 days of video history, while the Plus plan offers 60 days of video history.

What else is new from Philips Hue

A new generation of the popular Philips Hue Festavia string lights will launch — and it can be used both indoors and outdoors. Besides creating a cozy indoor atmosphere for holidays and special occasions, any barbecue or backyard party can now be decorated with a gradient of colourful light. The new string lights come in three varieties: 100 LEDs along an 8-metre cord, 250 LEDs along a 20-metre cord, and 500 LEDs along a 40-metre cord. Three new light effects, specially made for Festavia, will be available in the Philips Hue app: Prism, Glisten, and Opal. These effects will also be available for first-generation Festavia string lights, while the Prism effect will be available for all Philips Hue colour-capable lights.

The new Philips Hue MR16 smart bulb (pictured right at the top) lets you bring Philips Hue smart lighting to conventional spotlights anywhere in the home. The bulb works on the same 12 V low voltage as standard MR16 bulbs, making them compatible with most transformers. Featuring a bi-pin base and standard width, these bulbs fit perfectly both in size and style into most existing fixtures.

Lastly, all Philips Hue users can benefit from the interoperability of Matter via a software update to the Philips Hue Bridge available in September 2023. With the launch of this update, users will see a simplified experience when connecting their Philips Hue system with other Matter-compatible smart home devices and apps.

To find out more about the latest Philips Hue products and app features, visit www.philips-hue.com/newlaunches.

Habitap Announces Strategic Partnership with JLL to Provide Super-app for Tenants

26 August, 2023/in News, Product /by Editor

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Habitap, an integrated and customisable smart living management system, announced recently a strategic partnership with JLL to curate a super-app – COMPASS SG, powered by Habitap, to provide a best-in-class smart building experience with a range of smart functionalities for JLL’s clients. As part of the partnership, JLL has already rolled out in one commercial building in Singapore and will progressively implement it in more buildings by the fourth quarter of 2023.

The COMPASS SG app is fully customisable based on each client’s individual needs and allows for a fully integrated, connected tenant experience programme that combines technology, tenant experience and community features. In addition, this app includes a real-time access control management portal that allows tenants to track important building information through a user-friendly, intuitive dashboard.

Various visitor access options are also available to allow tenants to manage their visitors more efficiently. For example, they can register through facial recognition, HID Mobile Access or a QR code sent to them before their visit and or via a kiosk powered by Habitap. Other features include wayfinding, electronic lockers, and car park management tools, all aiming to revolutionise how tenants manage access and security within their properties.

To further streamline building operations, the app provides access to real-time data, giving greater security and control over their facilities. With the app, tenants can also apply for building services such as permits, renovation work, air-con extension and season parking. Circulars, push notifications, and emergency broadcasts can also be sent through the app, ensuring a better reach of information. Furthermore, the smart concierge feature, facility booking, and Building Management System integration feature automate administrative tasks for the clients so they can focus on running their businesses.

Additionally, the community functions of the app enable tenants to easily offer promotions and news to their customers, as well as a more efficient way for users to sign up for upcoming events and redemption of vouchers, therefore allowing for better capability to drive promotions and to engage the community. JLL also has a series of curated activities, focusing on environment, social and wellness that will be broadcasted via this app for tenants to participate.

Commenting on the partnership, Founder and CEO of Habitap, Franklin Tang, said, “We are thrilled to partner with JLL – a trusted global name in the commercial real estate industry. Habitap’s goal has always been focused on helping organisations transform through vision and technology to ultimately enable people to experience a Smart Living lifestyle. Our partnership with JLL reflects this shared commitment and puts us at the forefront of defining the future of smart buildings. With COMPASS SG, JLL’s clients can experience an unparalleled Smart Building experience that promises to seamlessly integrate technology with our lifestyles.”

Echoing Franklin’s sentiments, Executive Director of JLL, Derek Soh said, “We are excited to be working with Habitap, whose commitment to delivering experiential real estate solutions mirrors our own. Our partnership with Habitap is a testament to our dedication to providing the best-in-class, innovative solutions that drive our clients’ experiences to the next level.”

Both Habitap and JLL aim to work together to empower their clients and tenants with technology that is of global standards and eventually roll out COMPASS SG to more properties in Singapore.

King Living Unveils the 1977 Sofa

14 July, 2023/in News, Product /by Editor

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Since its inception, King Living has continuously set the benchmark for contemporary furniture that celebrates the authentic Australian lifestyle for a worldwide audience. Deeply rooted in quality craftsmanship and inspiring design heritage, the renowned brand is thrilled to announce the launch of the 1977 Sofa – a modern reimagining of the beloved inaugural King Living sofa, “The Award”, which made its debut in 1977.

The 1977 Sofa fuses classic design elements with innovative craftsmanship and elegant silhouettes, paying homage to the refined simplicity of its past while embracing the trends and advancements of the present. A true embodiment of timeless design, the 1977 Sofa is thoughtfully crafted to enrich your sensory experience through a masterful combination of exceptional materials and structural composition.

“At King Living, we are continuously advancing and evolving,” shares David King, founder of King Living. “The 1977 is a testament to our history-making design. Through our long-lasting, deep relationships with our customers and our extensive understanding of the changing landscape, the 1977 is a showcase of our commitment to innovation and our strength in Australian design.”

“When we first launched the inaugural sofa, we could have never imagined that so many years on, it would still have the same design relevance it did nearly 50 years ago.”

Presenting organic contours and gentle curves, the 1977 Sofa delivers heightened sensations of softness and infinite relaxation. The sofa is developed with graduated comfort layers made from varying densities of CFC-free high-resilience foams and fibres, while the seating offers endless support and unrivalled comfort.

Designed for flexible living, modularity is at the core of the 1977 Sofa design. Modules can be combined and rearranged into endless configurations, adapting to evolving lifestyles and space requirements, while the King Living patented connecting system allows users to combine modules seamlessly and securely.

Entering the landscape with an ultra-compelling starting price of S$4,290 for a three-module package – check the web store and showrooms for seasonal promotions), the 1977 Sofa is poised to capture the hearts of youthful design enthusiasts seeking both style and substance. Reinterpreted for the 21st century, the reimagined sofa speaks to modernity and modularity, ensuring it leaves a lasting impression.

The sofa modules will be available in two fabric collections developed exclusively for 1977 to cater to individual preferences. Tailored covers can be easily removed and machine washed at home for convenience or replaced for a fresh, seasonal look, offering limitless customisation options and minimising waste in the process.

As with all King Living furniture, the brand’s commitment to sustainability is embedded into the design. The 1977 Sofa is packaged with zero polyurethane materials and shipped efficiently, keeping carbon miles low. Engineered for longevity, the 1977 Sofa features a strong recyclable steel frame and a steel suspension system that extends the lifespan of its components. This exceptionally structured frame works harmoniously with the Postureflex® Seating System, providing ultimate support and durability.

Backed by the King 25-Year Steel Frame Warranty, this sofa is a testament to the brand’s unwavering commitment to quality craftsmanship and Australian design excellence.

Southeast Asia’s First Electric Construction Machines from Volvo CE Arrive in Singapore

26 June, 2023/in News, Sustainability, Product /by Editor

Reading Time: 4 minutes

The first fully electric construction machines from Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) have arrived in Singapore and were formally launched for the Southeast Asia market at a gala event on 7 June 2023 on Sentosa island. More than 100 guests gathered to celebrate the landmark moment and see the exciting new technology up close. At the launch event for the first electric construction machines in Singapore were senior leaders from the country’s most important building and construction companies, as well as Volvo CE dealers from across the Southeast Asia region, and Volvo CE leadership from Asia. Tomas Kuta, President Region Asia for Volvo CE, kicked off the launch by sharing insight on the sustainability goals of Volvo CE.

“Our company wants to reach net-zero emissions by 2040, and as part of that and our commitment to science-based targets, we want to reduce emissions from our product line by 30% by 2030, as well as reducing emissions from our own operations by 50% in the same timeframe. For the Singapore construction equipment market – change starts here. Singapore is a natural market for electric construction machines with a strong focus on sustainability, efficiency, and safety in its construction industry. We are launching our first electric machines in Southeast Asia, and we believe it will act as a launchpad for further sales, both in Singapore and the wider regional market.”

Volvo CE aims to have 35% of the machines it sells powered by electromobility by 2030. It already has the widest range of electrically powered construction machinery available today. To begin in Singapore, the company has launched three models: the ECR25 Electric compact excavator, the L25 Electric compact wheel loader, and the EC55 Electric excavator.

Jenny Egermark, Chargé d’ Affaires a.i. at The Embassy of Sweden in Singapore, was among the VIPs at the event, and she paid tribute to Volvo CE’s ongoing drive for change: “I am delighted to see Volvo’s innovative Swedish construction machines launching in Singapore. They are excellent additions to Singapore’s robust construction industry. Both Sweden and Singapore have ambitious goals toward sustainability and reducing carbon emissions, and the launch of Volvo’s first electric construction machines brings us one step closer to achieving these common goals.”

EVs head off-road

Electric construction machines have the power to change the way construction sites and material handling industries are run. They offer the same productivity benefits as diesel equivalents but with less noise, fewer vibrations, and no exhaust fumes. They can help industries meet sustainability requirements or regulations. It also allows companies to use the machines in new locations, such as indoors, or in other sensitive environments.

In Singapore, the country has set ambitious targets to enable sustainability across the building and construction value chain through its Singapore Green Building Masterplan (SGBMP). This includes introducing mandatory sustainable construction practices. Using electric machines on construction projects will go some way toward helping contractors meet their sustainability objectives.

AM Muralidharan, Head of Productivity & Retail Development Asia, said: “Using Volvo CE electric machines offers all kinds of advantages to owners. Of course, it will boost the sustainability of their own operations, but it’s also about creating a nicer environment for the operator and others on site. The lack of engine noise and fumes removes a lot of the distraction that can come from working around equipment and allows much better focus on the job at hand. It’s also kinder to the local community.”

Technical details

The ECR25 Electric compact excavator is a 2.6-2.8 t capacity machine with a 22.3 kN breakout force. It is equipped with an onboard charger for general charging, an external quick charger (optional for indoor/outdoor specifications), and a 20-kWh battery array, allowing for 3 to 4 hours of work per charge.

The machine is equipped with an excavation bucket (0.074 m 3 ) with a quick coupler, a standard arm, spare piping, and a ROPS standard canopy. There is very little noise, resulting in a very low environmental impact on the operator, surrounding workers, and neighbours. Operator comfort is further improved because there are no fumes from the electric operating system. And unlike a diesel excavator, the ECR25 Electric consumes almost no energy while idling thanks to an inbuilt stop/start system, so it only consumes energy during the minutes it works. It has a slightly higher operating weight than its diesel equivalent but also delivers more continuous motor power.

The L25 Electric compact wheel loader features a 2.1 t payload, a maximum speed of 20kph, outstanding lifting height and 100% parallel movements. The machine comes with a 40kWh battery pack and is expected to deliver 6 to 8 hours of work per charge. Again, operator comfort is enhanced by near-silent operation, and there’s an automatic park brake with hill-hold functionality and a range of customisable work modes. Like its electric sibling, the ECR25 Electric, the L25 Electric has a slightly higher operating weight than its diesel equivalent, but then has a higher static tipping load too.

The EC55 Electric excavator is a 5.5-t electric machine built at the Volvo CE facility in China, which is currently the world’s largest market for e-mobility equipment. The EC55 Electric is based on its diesel-powered counterpart, the EC55D, but delivers even better performance and controllability, as well as quiet operations and zero emissions. Power comes from two lithium battery packs of 400 V that work continuously for 4 to 6 hours per charge.

SALTO Systems Unveils New Southeast Asia Headquarters and XSperience Centre

22 June, 2023/in News, Product /by Editor

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SALTO Systems, a provider of electronic smart control solutions, unveiled its new Southeast Asia regional headquarters, and XSperience centre in Singapore earlier in June 2023. Since 2001, SALTO has been synonymous with innovative solutions, including stand-alone, cloud-based, and mobile applications. SALTO electronic locking products have helped partners across the Asia Pacific region from Singapore to Australia, China, Korea, Hong Kong and Taiwan to Spain, Germany and the USA to create keyless smart building projects that set new standards in security, manageability, flexibility and design that bring real-world benefits to virtually any type of door.

In Singapore alone, SALTO has helped serve over 500 prominent clients across the hospitality, working spaces, education facilities and commercial industries. The 800 sq ft XSperience centre, as part of the larger 3,000 sq ft headquarters premise, will serve as an interactive focus point for business partners and end-users to experience SALTO Systems’ next-generation intelligent building management and electronic-locking technology first-hand.

“The XSperience Centre is a testament to our recognition of the importance of the Southeast Asian region. We believe that product experience is key to navigating Southeast Asia’s rich cultural diversity. What matters most is creating a positive experience for our end-users – one that transcends language and culture. This is one of the key reasons for the development of our XSperience centre,” said Mr Adrian Tan, Business Unit Lead, Singapore, SALTO Systems.

SALTO Systems recognises Singapore as an excellent launchpad for the Southeast Asian region, attributed to its conducive business environment, excellent infrastructure, human resources, and strategic interconnectivity between the various SEA economies. With regional partners within this new XSperience centre, customers can learn more about access control technology and smart building management solutions from industry experts.

Visitors will also be able to experience the wide range of ground-breaking access control solutions built by SALTO Systems and its group of security technology companies, which are shaping the next generation of intelligent buildings and electronic-locking technology.

SALTO Systems aims to lead the replacement of mechanical keys with electronic ones globally, with offices in over 40 countries, more than seven million access points and 40 million daily users worldwide. SALTO Systems’ new headquarters can be found at Level 12, Bugis Junction Tower, Singapore.