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Singaporean Students Lauded At National Engineers Day 2018 For Creating Life-Transforming, Smart Solutions

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(images courtesy of the The Institution of Engineers, Singapore – IES)

The National Engineers Day (NED) 2018 event in July 2018 celebrated the best of youthful creativity and passion in making a difference to the society through engineering. Mr. Heng Swee Keat, Minister for Finance presented the Energy Innovation Challenge (EIC) 2018 and the IES Innovation Challenge for the Community 2018 awards to winning students at the NED 2018 Prize Presentation Ceremony as the event guest-of-honour. He also witnessed the launched of the “I am a Young Engineer” Badge.

EIC 2018 Winners
EIC 2018 challenges students to design smart engineering solutions for health, living, mobility and services. This year’s EIC saw 120 teams participating across four categories, compared to only 73 teams in its inaugural year in 2015. This includes 18 overseas teams from Bangladesh, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan and the Philippines for Category 4 (Local and Overseas Universities).

After a networking party in March 2018, participating students from Category 1 to 3 went through a series of workshops and camps that equipped them with design, finance, marketing, logistics management and technical skills to build their solutions. They also had the unique opportunity to be personally guided by professional engineers as mentors over a four-month learning journey.

The judges had shortlisted 80 teams of more than 252 students for the final rounds of judging, whereby participants had to display their projects at NED 2018 from 26 to 28 July, 2018. The four champion teams who eventually emerged are:

  • Category 1 (Secondary Schools): Team (S-24) – River Valley High School – An Eco- Friendly Barbecue Pit System
  • Category 2 (Junior Colleges): Team (J-10) – Dunman High School – Micro Energy Harvesting (μ-EH) and Its Application in Water Desalination under Emergency and Stressed Situation
  • Category 3 (Polytechnics and Institution of Technical Education): Team (I-06) – ITE College West – Robotic Helper FETCH
  • Category 4 (Local and Overseas Universities): Team (U-01) – Bangladesh University of Engineering & Technology – Cheap Braille Interface for Ebook Reading

In recognition of their outstanding performance, the top prize winning teams from Categories 1 to 3 will earn an overseas educational trip to be hosted by BMW Group in Germany, while the second, third and merit prize winners will be awarded with $1,000, $700 and $300 respectively. The champions of Category 4 will walk away with an $8,000 cash prize while the second, third and merit prize winners will be awarded $5,000, $3,000 and $1,000 respectively. This year’s popularity prize for all four categories constitutes $300 each.

Jointly organised by IES and Science Centre Singapore, EIC is a nation-wide competition that gives students the opportunity to create solutions that address global energy issues. It is supported by the Ministry of Education (MOE) and the National Research Foundation (NRF) Singapore.

IES Innovation Challenge for the Community 2018
Tertiary students also received awards for applying their engineering knowledge and creativity to design practical, user-friendly solutions to enhance the quality of life of the elderly, the handicapped, the injured and the community-at-large. Participating teams from Category A have to cap their expenditure at $2,000 and demonstrate competence in the optimal use of materials and equipment.

This year’s challenge received a total of 35 project submissions across two categories. After a rigorous round of judging by a panel of academia and industry experts, 14 projects where shortlisted for presentations.

The 2018 Gold Award for polytechnics goes to Chua Chryston and Neo Yizhe from Singapore Polytechnic for building a “dementia patient tracking” using Sigfox, a LPWAN (Low Power Wide Area Network) technology. The tracker periodically transmits its GPS location to a Cloud database and enables the patient’s care-taker to view the location on a Google map via a mobile app. The students hope that the invention can help dementia patients to move about without the fear of getting lost.

In the university category, the Gold Award winner is Subramanian Gowtham from Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) for designing a portable image- based cytometer for rapid malaria detection and quantification. His invention detects and numerically counts Plasmodium falciparum infected red blood cells (iRBCs) from Giemsa- stained smears derived from infected blood. Subramanian’s aim is to provide a cost- effective, rapid and accurate alternative for antimalarial testing without compromising on efficiency.

Launch of “I am a Young Engineer” Badge
IES also launched the “I am a Young Engineer” Badge for primary three to six students at the event, with Minister Heng as witness. This new initiative is a collaborative effort by IES and Science Centre Singapore to encourage students to discover the fun of engineering and instill interest in engineering from a young age.

The badge will provide students with introductory engineering skills and knowledge through self-directed engineering-related tasks listed on the activity card. Students can submit their completed works to their teachers or parents for verification to earn stars that will qualify them for the badge.

The badge is one of the outcomes from the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that IES signed with Science Centre Singapore in 2016 to stimulate interest amongst students in engineering and is sponsored by HDB, PUB, Micron and ST Engineering.

NED 2018
The Prize Presentation Ceremony also marked the conclusion of the ninth annual NED, the largest engineering youth carnival in Singapore, organised by IES to celebrate the achievements of engineers, inspire young engineers and intrigue the young generation in engineering.

Besides EIC 2018, the three-day NED 2018 presented a concentration of talks and workshops to help students discover the wonders of engineering and rapidly growing career opportunities for those with an engineering education and an aptitude to discover, imagine and create.

Top Honours Go To 10 Outstanding Projects At IES Engineering Achievement Awards 2018

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(images courtesy of  The Institution of Engineers, Singapore – IES)

One of the winners of the Young Creators Awards

One of the winners of the Young Creators Awards

The Institution of Engineers, Singapore (IES) recently announced the 10 winners of the IES Prestigious Engineering Achievement Awards 2018. The awards celebrate the most outstanding accomplishments of engineers in Singapore in the past year and recognise their significant contributions to stimulating engineering progress and enhancing quality of life in Singapore.

Mr. Heng Chee How, Senior Minister of State for Defence presented the awards to the winning teams at the 12th International Conference on Ceramic Materials and Components for Energy and Environmental Applications (CMCEE 2018) Conference Dinner as the guest-of-honour, in the company of about 400 local and international guests from 46 countries.

The projects emerged from 27 submissions as winners after a rigorous round of judging by a panel of experts. The winning teams have distinguished themselves in resourcefulness in the planning and solving of design problems; pioneering use of materials and methods; innovations in planning, design and construction; and unique aspects and aesthetic values.

Winners from the NUS Faculty of Engineering

Winners from the NUS Faculty of Engineering

“Through the awards, IES hopes to raise greater awareness of the contributions of engineers to our society and economy and to inspire the younger generation to consider engineering as the preferred career choice. We also hope that the awards will spur the winning teams to advance their work to the next level of excellence,” said Prof Yeoh Lean Weng, IES President. The 2018 awards winners are:

Applied Research and Development

  • 4-IN-1 Smart Utilities Plant tailored for tropics by National University of Singapore (NUS) & King Abdullah University of Science and Technology
  • Automated Needle Targeting with Medical Image Robotic Assisted Guidance Equipment (ANT-MIRAGE) by NDR Medical Technology Pte Ltd
  • Bulk photovoltaics and unique UV sensors from bulk photovoltaics by Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE), a research institute under the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR)
  • Low Motion Semi: A next-generation revolutionary semisubmersible by Keppel-NUS Corporate Laboratory
  • Renewable air filters from regenerating molecular building blocks by NUS Faculty of Engineering

Engineering Project

  • National Gallery Singapore by CPG Consultants Pte Ltd
  • Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled on-demand lighting for the Smart Nation by Housing & Development Board and ST Engineering

Technology Innovation

  • Soft hybrid surgical gripper for delicate tissue manipulation by NUS Faculty of Engineering

Young Creators Award

  • A 16-channel capacitive sensor interface circuits for physical signals monitoring by NUS Faculty of Engineering
  • Mars Science Space Rover by Nanyang Polytechnic.

The top projects will move on to receive the ASEAN Outstanding Engineering Achievement Award, a coveted accolade for engineering professionals and organisations in the region.

Espai Barça - FC Barcelona

Bentley Systems Presents Synchro Software At Microsoft Inspire Conference

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Espai Barça - FC Barcelona

Image courtesy of www.fcbarcelona.com

Bentley Systems, Incorporated presented Synchro, a 4D construction modeling solution at the Microsoft Inspire conference in Las Vegas in July 2018. The use of Synchro as part of a mixed reality construction management solution for FC Barcelona’s Espai Barça sports stadium project was featured during the Mixed Reality (MR) and the Cloud session at the conference.

The Microsoft Inspire session, led by Microsoft’s Nancy Li, detailed how Bentley’s Synchro, a cloud-based 4D construction modeling solution, will be used for FC Barcelona’s major renovation to the Espai Barça sports arena in Barcelona, Spain, which when completed will accommodate more than 100,000 fans. In conjunction with time-lapse monitoring footage of the construction site provided by EarthCam, Bentley’s Synchro will help the stadium project team to visualise and compare construction progress with the 4D construction model.

Greg Demchak, technical architect for Bentley, said, “The scope of this project demands that we look for new solutions, and for this, we turned to Microsoft. Using Azure infrastructure, HoloLens technology, and Cognitive Services, multiple users can interact with a holographic representation of the stadium data at any moment in the construction process. We are also leveraging machine learning and on-site images to digitally track actual progress with Synchro.”

Bentley Systems is a Mixed Reality and CityNext partner with Microsoft, and will receive the 2018 Microsoft CityNext Partner of the Year Award during this year’s Microsoft Inspire Conference for its Azure-enabled software solution for Mass Rapid Transit Corporation’s world-class, Sungai Buloh-Serdang-Putrajaya high-speed railway project in Malaysia.

Singapore Engineering Achievements Receive Regional Accolades at CAFEO35

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The Institution of Engineers, Singapore (IES) announced that two outstanding engineering projects and four eminent engineers were accorded prestigious regional accolades at the 35th Conference of the ASEAN Federation of Engineering Organizations (CAFEO35) on 18 November 2017, in Bangkok, Thailand.

The two projects who received the esteemed ASEAN Outstanding Engineering Achievement Awards 2017 are:

  • Mitigation of Pollution at Kandy Lake and Mid-Canal, Sri Lanka by Nanyang Environment and Water Research Institute, Nanyang Technological University & University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
  • Singapore Sports Hub by ARUP, DP ARCHITECTS & AECOM

Presented by the ASEAN Federation of Engineering Organizations (AFEO), a non- governmental organisation affiliated to the ASEAN Secretariat, the annual awards pay tribute to the most distinctive engineering projects in the region. The Singapore projects were selected for making significant contributions to advancing engineering and improving quality of life amongst the ASEAN countries.

At the ceremony, AFEO also conferred four eminent Singaporeans with the AFEO Honorary Fellowship title, for rendering exemplary and meritorious services to the engineering profession, IES and Singapore.

They are:

  • Mr Wong Yui Cheong, Past Council Member, IES
  • Er. Low Wong Fook, Past Council Member, IES and Past Principal, Singapore Polytechnic
  • Er. Khoo Seow Poh, Deputy CEO, National Environment Agency
  • Dr. Boh Jaw Woei, Past Honorary Secretary and Past Council Member, IES

IES-AIT MoU on Climate Change
In conjunction with CAFEO35, IES also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Asian Institute of Technology Thailand, to enable cooperation in promoting capacity building and project development in climate change through joint activities.

Both parties kicked off their collaborative partnership by signing a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) to deliver a professional development workshop on ‘Managing Project Preparation for Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation’. Targeted at senior level officials and executives responsible for climate change and mitigation projects, the workshop aims to deepen understanding and skillsets in project proposal preparation to facilitate acquisition of financing from the growing pool of climate resources in the region. The inaugural workshop will be held in Singapore in 2018.

This MoU represents another significant step forward in IES’ continuous efforts to strengthen global resilience towards the impact of climate change through engineering. Since 2013, IES has held the World Engineers Summit every two years in Singapore, to facilitate engineering-led discussions amongst the world’s engineering communities, to drive global climate action and sustainable urban development.

IES Assumes 2018 AFEO Chairmanship
At the conclusion of CAFEO35 on 18 November 2017, IES officially took over the AFEO Chairmanship, with a key role to host CAFEO36 in Singapore in November 2018. In alignment to the Master Plan on ASEAN connectivity 2025 and Singapore’s assumed role as ASEAN Chair in 2018, IES will focus CAFEO36 on enhancing rail connectivity and fostering excellence in engineering education.

“IES is excited to assume the Chairmanship of AFEO for 2018 as it coincides with Singapore’s role of ASEAN Chair. We aim to make CAFEO36 into a focal point for exchange of knowledge, standards and best practices in engineering amongst member countries, to support the development of a seamlessly and comprehensively connected ASEAN. Through CAFEO36, we also hope to spur greater engineering contributions towards infrastructural development in ASEAN and promote a strong collaborative engineering community,” said Er. Edwin Khew, President, IES.

IES led a contingent of engineering representatives to attend CAFEO35 in Bangkok from 16 to 18 November 2017. Since 1982, the annual CAFEO has been hosted in different ASEAN member countries to promote goodwill, understanding, cooperation and exchange of ideas and experiences in the fields of education, science, engineering, technology, environment, human resource, training and registration of professional engineers.

Global Architectural Thought Leaders Convene at DP50 Design Future Conference in Singapore

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Image courtesy of DP Architects

The DP50 Design Future Conference, held on 10 October, 2017, marked the third high point in DP Architects’ (DPA) year-long, 50th anniversary celebrations. More than 1,400 attendees comprising students, industry experts and practitioners of the architectural community from around the world convened at the MES Theatre on MediaCorp Campus for the conference.

The conference was categorised into three primary themes – Future Cities, Future Architecture and Future Design – and was graced by two keynote speakers: renowned architect and Pritzer Prize winner, Mr Fumihiko Maki and  diplomat Professor Chan Heng Chee.

Taking to the podium first, Mr Maki spoke on the topic of “Future Architecture”. His presentation, aptly titled Humanism of Empathy not only gave insight into his design thoughts and philosophy. Through clear examples of signature projects from his portfolio of works, he challenged the architects of today to re-examine the relationship between architecture, time and space in order to create spaces that delight. Professor Chan seconded this. Speaking on “Future Cities”, she made a clear call for the creation of more “sacred places” within the city’s fabric in her presentation on Asia’s Future Cities: Sustainable, Liveable, Loveable.

The conference also saw special guest appearances and presentations by Mr Keith Brewis, a partner at Grimshaw Architects and Ms Chan Hui Min, a director at DPA. Both explored the theme of “Future Design” with Mr Brewis speaking on Our Relationship with Mobility and Ms Chan sharing insights on Tech and the City. Each provided unique perspectives on how emerging technology-enabled trends are influencing user-space relationships and changing the way architects design.

Image courtesy of DP Architects

The event culminated in a panel discussion on the future of the built environment facilitated by Professor Erwin Viray, Head of Pillar of Architecture and Sustainable Design at Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD).

Mr Seah Chee Huang, Director at DP Architects, concluded the event with the announcement of the winners of DP’s inaugural Inspire Awards. An annual awards programme, it aims to drive design excellence and innovation within the practice.

Buildtech Yangon 2017 Goes Green with Special Focus on Quality Finishes

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BuildTech Yangon is Myanmar’s leading trade exhibition platform for the construction and development sector.

BuildTech Yangon is Myanmar’s leading trade exhibition platform for the construction and development sector.

The latest in green building technologies as well as quality and interior finishings are some of the key features at the 4th edition of BuildTech Yangon, Myanmar’s leading trade exhibition platform serving the fast-growing construction and development sector. Held at the Myanmar Convention Centre from 18 to 20 May, this highly anticipated trade show will bring together 4,000 visitors and 80 exhibiting brands from across the world in an expansive 10,000-square-metre space.

Organised by Sphere Exhibits, a subsidiary of Singapore Press Holdings (SPH), and co-organised by the Myanmar Construction Entrepreneurs Association (MCEA), leading companies from China, India, Italy, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, South Korea and Thailand will showcase the latest equipment, machinery and solutions in a wide selection of exhibits catering to the construction, machinery, building materials and mechanical engineering segments.

According to BMI Research, the Asia construction sector’s growth is expected to hit 5.3 percent this year, with growth in emerging and frontier South and Southeast Asian markets, supporting the soft demand in China and many developed countries. Increased efforts by governments to encourage private participation in infrastructure projects will also boost the sector, with Myanmar being one of the brightest spots for construction in the world.

U Tha Htay, President of Myanmar Construction Entrepreneurs Association (MCEA), said, “Myanmar’s construction industry is forecasted to grow at an annual average rate of 10.37 percent over the next five years, with a total worth of US$13.5 billion by 2020. This is driven by the government’s commitment to updating essential services and infrastructure, and providing better housing as the country re-engages the international community and the global marketplace.”

“This presents a tremendous opportunity for companies looking to participate in Myanmar’s growth and BuildTech Yangon 2017 provides an ideal platform in Yangon where international firms can meet the important decision makers driving Myanmar’s building boom.”

Myanmar’s Growing Focus on Green Buildings and Sustainability
2017 will also see the launch of the inaugural Green Building Conference which will bring together keynote speakers and thought leaders such as Tai Lee Siang, Chair of the World Green Building Council as well as subject matter experts from Myanmar and around the world.

Dr. Swe Swe Aye, Chairman of the Green Building Committee, Building Engineers Institute of Myanmar and co-organiser of the Green Building Conference, said: “As Yangon’s construction activity continues to expand, there is a desire by developers, government agencies and the public to build buildings and facilities that are able to leverage new thinking for green building technologies and materials to be better for the environment and the people who work, live and play in them. The Green Building Conference is a good opportunity for learning new ideas and technologies and I look forward to learning and exchanging experiences and knowledge with many experts and practitioners who will be attending.”

This highly anticipated trade show will bring together 4,000 visitors and 80 exhibiting brands from across the world.

This highly anticipated trade show will bring together 4,000 visitors and 80 exhibiting brands from across the world.

Mr. Chua Wee Phong, Chairman of Sphere Exhibits Pte Ltd, said, “Sustainable and green development is key to the construction industry as we help create homes and work spaces for the growing urban population. It plays an essential role in building a vibrant, creative and productive city – by ensuring healthy living and reducing the impact on the environment. As the leading trade show in Myanmar for the construction sector, we believe that BuildTech Yangon 2017 has an important role in sharing the best practices and knowledge from green developments around the world as an extension to its ongoing efforts supporting the development of Yangon as a mega city.”

Recognising Innovators and Leaders of the Construction Industry
This year, a special brick laying competition will be introduced to the trade floor. This project is open to construction companies and will showcase a live assembly of a set prototype of a model building.

MCEA will also be hosting its annual Gala on the 19 May, where a select group of delegates and luminaries of the construction sector will come together to network and celebrate the achievements of their peers in the 3rd Construction Entrepreneur Awards.

The Awards were conceptualised to recognise the best and brightest of construction professionals who have succeeded in raising local standards and skills, and in incorporating the latest construction technologies into the entire ecosystem. Sphere Exhibits & MCEA will jointly award four main awards: Best Contractor Awards, Best Project Awards, Individual Awards and Builder of the Year Awards.

This year's exhibition will showcase the latest in equipment, machinery and solutions.

This year’s exhibition will showcase the latest in equipment, machinery and solutions.

BuildTech Yangon 2017 is supported by the Association of Myanmar Architects, International Facilities Management Association, Singapore Chapter, Italian Chamber of Commerce (Singapore) Green Building Committee, Building Engineers Institute of Myanmar, Myanmar Engineering Council, Myanmar Engineering Society, Myanmar Industries Association, Malaysia Heavy Construction Equipment Owners Association, Master Builders Association Malaysia;; Malaysia Timber Council, Singapore Business Federation, Singapore Green Building Council, Singapore Institute of Building Limited, Vietnam Building Ceramic Association, Vietnam Electronic Industries Association and the Vietnam Federation of Civil Engineering Association and WSH (Asia).

Visitors can click here to pre-register before May 9, 2017 to attend the trade show or the Green Building Conference. Delegates attending the conference are entitled to continuing industry development points by the Myanmar Engineering Council.

For more information, click HERE.

BEX Asia 2016 Returns as a Regenerative Force in the Age of IoT

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BEX Asia is uniquely poised to deliver ideas and solutions.

BEX Asia is uniquely poised to deliver ideas and solutions.

Against a backdrop of accelerating climate change and rapidly increasing population growth, the call for more energy and cost-efficient buildings in Southeast Asia is immediate. With IDC’s prediction that Asia Pacific will become the frontline for the Internet of Things (IoT) by 2021, the green building industry can expect an increased adoption of green technologies with a growing focus on IoT.

Returning in its ninth edition, the upcoming Build Eco Xpo (BEX) Asia 2016 will be held at Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre Singapore from 7 to 9 September, 2016. In light of a rapidly advancing infocomm technology landscape, BEX Asia is uniquely poised to deliver ideas and solutions to futureproof the built environment with an increased focus on smart yet energy-efficient technologies.

The event will see the convergence of green building experts, policy-makers, academics and built environment practitioners of international recognition for a discussion of new ways to tackle these issues. Exhibitors will showcase ways in which green buildings and new technologies can work in tandem for a regenerative approach to building designs, propelling the industry beyond the existing sustainability agenda. Minister for National Development, Mr Lawrence Wong, will grace the opening ceremony.

An energy-efficient event strategy that can take the heat
The future of the green building industry is facing a high degree of complexity and uncertainty due to climate change and the disruptive nature of innovation. As regenerative solutions take centre stage this year, visitors to BEX Asia will see a strategic three-way rollout of the exhibition and seminar to focus on green architectures, smart technologies and energy efficient solutions.

One-stop business exchange platform
Continuing the tradition of previous exhibitions, BEX Asia 2016 will also house dedicated market pavilions from mainland China, Taiwan and Singapore, consolidating in-country exhibitors for an overview of game-changing solutions of local relevance to the regional audience.

“We aim to lead the charge for sustainable coating solutions for greener architectures through our innovative products. Our eco-friendly products can improve the quality of life, and we’re very excited to be at BEX Asia 2016 to share our expertise and network with the community,” said Kel Low, Senior Manager, Specifier Relations, Nippon Paint.

Echoing a similar sentiment is Alex Lau, CEO, Anacle Systems, a home-grown green technology firm determined to resolve energy wastage with its smart energy management system. “BEX Asia serves as a launch pad for transformation in areas of energy efficiency and smart technology. Our generation is technologically savvy and it is important to have energy saving abilities like smart meters and energy tracking systems at our fingertips. BEX Asia is an ideal place for us to be part of dialogues to drive breakthroughs in next-gen energy management.”

Anacle Systems and Nippon Paint will be joined by returning and new exhibitors including Akzo Nobel Paints, Camfil, Fuji SMBE, Kansai Paint, LifeSmart Singapore, Mun Hean, Parex Group, REC, and ST Electronics at BEX Asia 2016.

Thought provoking insights exchange
According to the Global Green Building Market Outlook 2020 published by Research and Markets, the worldwide green building market will grow at a compound annual growth rate of about 13 percent from 2015 to 20202. This growth can partly be attributed to rising awareness of the implications of climate change, and the understanding that green buildings can result in lower level of greenhouse emissions.

To continue to advance such knowledge, industry innovators will gather at the ‘Green View’ to share related insights from which our man-made environment is founded on. Seminar goers can expect topics ranging from an education of materials necessary for green architectures by San Marco Paints and Graphenstone, to visionary tales of a smart community by Lux Research and getting to the heart of the energy efficiency boom by AECOM.

To complement these discussions, event organisers have also enhanced the business-matching programme. Set to attract the region’s key suppliers and marketers, BEX Asia 2016 is expected to surpass more than US$125m in green building business transactions. Visitors can expect one-to-one business matching, as well as key networking with regional delegations including Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam and beyond Asia from Italy.

“Beyond sustainability and the recognised need to reduce carbon footprint, there is a greater call to strengthen competitiveness and collaboration between private and public stakeholders for collective action. We want to walk the talk and ensure that BEX Asia continues to be relevant. The solid foundation we’ve built will help us continue conversations for a better tomorrow for future generations,” said Louise Chua, Business Development Director and Project Director, Reed Exhibitions, organiser of BEX Asia 2016.

Supported by prominent organisations in the industry, BEX Asia 2016 is one of the anchor events of the Singapore Green Building Week (SGBW).

Aimed at inspiring green building leaders around the region, BEX Asia 2016 will be held alongside the second edition of Mostra Convegno Expocomfort (MCE) Asia, the leading trade exhibition dedicated to energy efficient solutions in HVAC-R, plumbing technology, sanitary accessories, and renewable energy, as well as the International Green Building Conference (IGBC) organised by the Building and Construction Authority of Singapore. Both exhibitions will play host to more than 450 exhibiting companies across the region to a congregation of over 12,000 trade visitors.

Visitor registration is now open HERE.

Buildtech Yangon 2016 Meets Needs of Myanmar’s Building and Construction Sector

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BuildTech Yangon is the leading trade show of its kind.

BuildTech Yangon is the leading trade show of its kind.

The third edition of BuildTech Yangon concluded on May 28, 2016 after three days of trade discussions, commercial engagements and extensive knowledge sharing among some 3,000 trade visitors and business professionals from the region. Organised by Sphere Exhibits, a subsidiary of Singapore Press Holdings (SPH), and co-organised by the Myanmar Construction Entrepreneurs Association (MCEA), BuildTech Yangon is the leading trade show of its kind focusing on the entire value chain for the built environment sector.

H.E Zae Aye Maung, Minister for Rakhine Affairs Ministry and Labour Affairs, Immigration and Manpower Ministry, Government of Yangon Region, graced the opening ceremony of the trade show. Designed specifically to meet the needs of the burgeoning building and construction industry in Myanmar, BuildTech Yangon 2016 saw the signing of a memorandum of understanding between MCEA’s Mandalay Chapter and Sphere Exhibits to co-organise the inaugural staging of BuildTech Mandalay later this year. This extended collaboration further reinforces a stronger alliance between the two organisations in their efforts to extend the knowledge building and trade opportunities to industry professionals in Myanmar.

Positive response for integrated show and skills upgrading platform
The show hosted some 80 exhibiting companies from Austria, China, Indonesia, Korea, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam, each of which offered a range of products, services and solutions for four key areas: Onsite construction machinery and equipment, building materials and architectural solutions, interior finishing and facilities management.

Visitors were able to check out various products and cutting edge technology put on display.

Visitors were able to check out various products and cutting edge technology put on display.

Industry professionals who visited the show included architects, developers, building and trade agency representatives, investors, manufacturers of machine and building, retailers, security, state-owned company owners, surveyors, trainers and wholesalers.

Ms. Nicole Zycinski Singh, General Manager of Killem Pest Pte Ltd, said: “We are very happy with our experience exhibiting at this year’s BuildTech Yangon. The organisers have done a fantastic job in coming up with a focused event and in attracting quality visitors. For a homegrown company with little experience in the Indochina market, we have received very good responses from potential buyers, several of whom have already enquired about our services. We will definitely consider returning for the next edition of BuildTech Yangon.”

The complimentary Business Seminar Series, which took place from May 26 to 28, 2016 focused on the following topics:

  • Construction safety
  • Working at heights
  • Fire safety and disaster management
  • Sustainability
  • Energy efficiency in green buildings
  • Security and town planning
  • Special economic zones
  • The investment outlook in Myanmar
  • Construction law
  • Sustainable and responsible urban design and building management
  • Infrastructure management

Young Construction Entrepreneurs Award
BuildTech Yangon also played host to MCEA’s Golden 20 Jubilee Gala, which hosted 250 guests on May 26, 2016. Three of Myanmar’s young construction entrepreneurs were presented with Diamond, Platinum and Silver awards under two categories: Professionals under 10 Years and Professionals Above 10 Years for successfully incorporating the latest construction technologies into various stages of the supply chain.

The show welcomed 3,000 trade visitors and business professionals from the region.

The show welcomed 3,000 trade visitors and business professionals from the region.

BuildTech Yangon 2016 was supported by the International Facilities Management Association (Singapore Chapter), International Powered Access Federation, Malaysia Heavy Construction Equipment Owners Association, Myanmar Engineering Council, Myanmar Engineering Society, Myanmar Industries Association, Singapore Institute of Building Limited, Vietnam Electronics Industry Association, Vietnam Federation of Civil Engineering Association, World Evergreen Travel & Tours and WSH (Asia).

Mr. U Tha Htay, President of Myanmar Construction Entrepreneurs Association (MCEA), said, “We are happy to receive good feedback from both exhibitors and trade visitors. The third edition of BuildTech Yangon delivered a more focused event that was very well received by the attendees. Its newly revamped platform for the industry, consisting of an extensive product showcase, fruitful networking sessions and specialised seminar programmes, successfully catered to the needs of Myanmar’s industry progression in providing right balance for the progression of the building and construction sector in Myanmar.”

The fourth edition of BuildTech Yangon will take place in May 2017. For more information, visit www.btyangon.com/en.

Ecobuild Southeast Asia 2016 Focuses On New Tech and Methodology

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There were a total of 66 paid conferences, forums, free seminars and technology symposiums, among other events.

There were a total of 66 paid conferences, forums, free seminars and technology symposiums, among other events.

Ecobuild Southeast Asia 2016 and International Construction Week 2016 (ICW2016), the region’s biggest trade event for the construction industry, was launched at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre by Dato’ Sri Haji Fadillah Bin Haji Yusof, Minister of Works Malaysia, on behalf of Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Mohd NajibTun Razak.

 

Held under the theme “Driving Productivity in Construction” and organised by UBM Malaysia, Ecobuild SEA 2016 focused the spotlight on cutting-edge technologies and methodologies, to improve productivity and sustainability in construction, particularly Industrialised Building System (IBS),as showcased in the Industrialised Building Systems Housing Expo.

 

“The theme of this year’s show is driving productivity further by increasing technology adoption and modernising construction methods,” said Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Mohd NajibTun Razak. “This is an important aspect of our national economy, for it is through increased productivity that we can properly target becoming a high-income nation by 2020.”

 

Co-located with Ecobuild SEA are the IBS Housing Expo and the CIDB-IEM Construction Career Fair 2016, all under one roof. IBS showcases quality, safe and energy-efficient methods of construction,and will help to modernise the local building industry. The Construction Career Fair is the only career fair for the professionals in the industry, also providing job opportunities to fresh graduates.

As the leading platform for the construction industry in Southeast Asia, Ecobuild SEA consists of 127 exhibitors from eight countries and regions. The participating countries are Malaysia, Singapore, China, Canada, Hong Kong, Germany, France and Australia. The show had successfully drawn 12,073 visitors from 63 countries, a 15% increase from 2015. 10.3% of the visitors are international.

There were a total of 66 paid conferences, forums, free seminars and technology symposiums,as well as five competitions alongside Ecobuild SEA. Several competitions had their finale during ICW 2016: My City 2050, Rebuild It Green, Open Ideas ­­­­­­­­Competition, International Highest Early Strength Self-Consolidating Concrete Cube Competition and IEM Mechanical Design Competition.

The next edition, Ecobuild SEA 2017, will be held on April 12-14, 2017 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. The theme will be “Quality, Safety and Professionalism” –  one of the four strategic thrusts of the Construction Industry Transformation Programme (CITP). It will co-locate with Greenbuild 2017, Energy Efficiency Malaysia, Construction Showcase and Construction Career Fair, including International Pavilion, Industrialised Building System Pavilion, Malaysia Timber Industry Board (MTIB) Pavilion and Contractor and Entrepreneur Development Division (BPKU) Pavilion.

For more information, call 603-21768788, email ecobuildsea@ubm.com or visit www.ecobuildsea.com.

APCREC8 Proves to be a Success

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Attendees at one of the many APCREC8 talks.

Attendees at one of the many APCREC8 talks.

With a commercial property industry that’s no longer booming, China-based entrepreneurs have had to diversify their businesses to meet the constantly evolving needs and behaviours of customers and new industry challenges. It is with these hurdles in mind that Linver Insights organised the 8th Asia Pacific Commercial Real Estate Cooperation Forum (APCREC8)

More than 400 professionals and elites across the whole commercial property value chain graced the event, which took place at the Shanghai Marriott Hotel Riverside from May 24th to 25th, 2016. 39 percent of attendees were decision makers from commercial, operation, digital marketing and design management departments; 13 percent were founders of popular APP and communities; 17 percent were principals from leading architecture firms; 13 percent were unique retail brands and markets and 12 percent came from leading O2O/e-commerce companies and product/solution providers.

Some of the brands and businesses that were present at APCREC8 include, but are not limited to, IKEA Centres China, Greenland Business, Shimao, Gemdale, Vanke, CR Land, K11, Capitamalls, Winner Information Technology, Ruijie Network, HIKVISION, He Ma Xian Sheng, Linqu, Qdaily, Yidao, Friends+, One Way Space, eLab, Wanruoguli Group and Aqua China.

The event wasn’t just a forum. It also served as a crossover show, and moved away from the “commercial property” framework to cross-reference successful models of “community economy.”

The event was graced by various top professionals and served as more than just a regular forum.

The event was graced by various top professionals and served as more than just a regular forum.

 

Key Event Highlights:

  • Yu Wei, CEO of One Way Space introduced a public space of intellectual, ideological and cultural life.
  • Xu Lian Ming, CTO of Beijing RTMAP redefined the economic flow in the mobile Internet era and shared the case study of Joy City to explain how to connect customers with internet and better manage the customer flow at retail store.
  • Cai Yi Cheng, Co-founder of eLab, Jin Du, Founder & CEO of Wanruoguli Group, Lin You Wei, Co-Founder of Aqua China and Hawk Wang, assistant chairman of UrWork(Beijing) had a discussion with the topic: “From 0 to 1, From Loyal Community to High-Grade Product”
  • Manuel N. Zornoza, founder & principal architect of LATITUDE, Emily Phang, partner of Foster+Partners; Mikkel Bøg, COO of EFFEKT Architects, Mauro Resnitzky, founding director of Girimun Architects and Wang Fang, Chief Executive Officer & Found Partner of logon shared their insights on architecture innovation and saying farewell to traditional malls.
  • Amy Xu, Director of Marketing at Joy City Property Limited presented a talk entitled “Hey! We Are Standing at The Crossroads of Goods and Emotions!” and explained how to operate commercially and manage quality customers using the Internet.

In addition to the forums, talks and workshops, a high-tech digital retail store was set up outside the venue’s conference room, with Cloud & Apps, Elo Touch, Sunflower Technology and Winner Information Technology sharing new innovations that would allow for greater interaction and a new shopping technology experience.

For further updates and a full list of APCREC8 events, visit the Linver Insights webpage or follow Linver on WeChat
(ID: LinverInsights).