Green School Bali students and friends are one step closer to getting their campus off the grid, with the support of Sunseap, one of the largest clean energy solutions providers in Singapore.
Sunseap, a Singapore-based solar developer, generously donated PV solar panels that will power one of the world’s greenest maker spaces: The Green School Community Innovation Hub. The “iHub” is a green, rapid prototyping facility that is changing the face of education, and is where inspiring entrepreneurial problem solving, student ideas are incubated, tested, rethought, refined, and finally brought to life, under the guidance of the community, visiting entrepreneurs, local artisans and teachers.
Mr. Rob Khoo, Vice President of Marketing and Communications at Sunseap Group, said: “Sunseap is delighted to support Green School Bali in its efforts to go green. This donation is part of Sunseap’s corporate social responsibility initiative to help people in the region become more aware of the impact of their daily activities on the environment and how they can switch to renewable energy sources to reduce their carbon footprint.”
Sunseap’s donation puts the power into the hands of young people to be the change makers they want to be. This project represents the entrepreneurial mind-set and collaborative problem solving that are the hallmarks of both Green School and Sunseap.
In combination with micro-hydro turbine on the banks of the local river, this gift of solar panels will expand an existing solar array on campus, adding another exciting element to the student-driven energy sustainability project “Operation Rain or Shine”. The ultimate goal of Operation Rain or Shine is to become a model of renewable energy production and storage for the school and local community—a showcase of resilient and reliable clean energy. The hybrid renewable energy micro-grid will now be expanded through the generous support of Sunseap.
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.
The Singapore Construction Productivity Week (SCPW) will return for its seventh year running, with the theme “Embracing Innovation, Building Our Future”. Organised by the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) with strategic partner Sphere Exhibits Pte Ltd, the SCPW will be held at the Singapore Expo Max Atria and Hall 3 from 24 to 26 October, 2017.
This year’s theme reflects the critical role that technology plays in paving the future of construction in Singapore. There is huge potential for the built environment sector to improve its productivity and resource efficiency, streamline project management and processes, and enhance construction quality and safety through innovation.
SCPW 2017 will focus on two key areas – through the adoption of Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DfMA), and Integrated Digital Delivery (IDD).
Mr Hugh Lim, Chief Executive Officer of the BCA, said: “We have seen technology disruption occurring across many sectors in recent times. Some might view it as a threat but for our sector, it presents opportunities for firms to build up their competitive edge and attract more Singaporeans to join their workforce.
SCPW brings together various stakeholders including technology solution providers, industry experts, as well as public sector agencies to help provide a platform for firms to learn more about the support and resources available for business growth and innovation. This will help firms to start embarking on their transformation journey.”
Highlights of this year’s SCPW include anchor events such as BuildTech Asia, the Build Smart Conference, an experiential workshop with site visits to projects adopting game- changing technologies as well as student competitions. There are also new line-ups this year, including:
ProTech Demonstration, where industry players can learn about the latest Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing (MEP) technologies in the market and witness a live demonstration of construction building services with prefabricated MEP modules.
A showcase of productive and high quality architectural finishes as well as industry sharing on best practices and experiences in producing top quality construction work with the use of Prefabricated Prefinished Volumetric Construction (PPVC) at the inaugural Achieving High Quality PPVC Projects workshop.
The Regional Perspective to DfMA Construction workshop, which provides a platform for Singapore firms and international delegates to learn about the latest developments of DfMA technologies in the region. It also serves as a networking platform for firms to make new connections and explore overseas business opportunities.
Reinventing Smart Building and Construction through Technology According to BMI Research, Asia is expected to remain as the largest and one of the fastest growing construction markets in the world over the coming years due to Government-led infrastructure development initiatives in China, India and emerging markets in Southeast Asia. With a current pipeline of construction projects worth more than US$3.6 trillion in Asia, there is a significant market for construction technologies and solutions.
Echoing this, the 7th edition of BuildTech Asia is held in conjunction with the Singapore Construction Productivity Week, in Singapore Expo Hall 3. Organised by Sphere Exhibits Pte Ltd and hosted by the BCA, the trade platform will feature smart building and construction solutions to help industry practitioners achieve greater efficiencies and contribute to the development of smarter cities.
BuildTech Asia 2017 will showcase the latest in SMART construction and productive technologies to address the challenges of building and construction across different vertical industries aside from the staple exhibits in construction machinery and equipment, building materials and architectural solutions, and quality finishes. The international building technology trade show is expected to attract the biggest gathering since its inception, with about 120 exhibiting companies and more than 8,000 trade visitors from over 30 countries across Asia Pacific and Europe.
Visit www.scpw.sg and www.buildtechasia.com for more information.
Technological evolutions are blurring the lines between physical and digital with the introduction of the Internet-of-Things (IoT). With the number of IoT devices growing exponentially to an estimated 75.4 billion devices in 20251, building fixtures such as lights, air-conditioning, alarm systems and door locks can all be a part of a hyper-connective virtual mesh.
The integration of IoT in buildings bring about many benefits, transforming traditional architectures to smart buildings. As digitization continues to sweep across industries, buildings are also seeing rapid transformation in its form, construction and management. These enhancements stemmed from one need – to make buildings more efficient, safer and aesthetically balanced for improved quality of life.
With the global smart building market expected to grow from $5.73 billion in 2016 to $24.73 billion by 20212, there is indeed a huge potential for smart building solutions out there. Below are some of the examples of how the technology is shaping building and construction today, which will be showcased at Build Eco Xpo (BEX) Asia and Mostra Convegno Expocomfort Asia (MCE) taking place in Singapore in September.
Improved Operational Efficiency
Studies have shown that by digitising processes, companies reported an 82 percent increase in efficiency3. The same applies for building management, with the ecosystem of connected devices and sensors aggregating collected data to enable conservation of resources, better management of overhead and optimising operational efficiencies.
IoT connects a network of sensors and systems, allowing construction management to understand the efficiency of their workflow and making adjustments to improve productivity based on the data collected. IoT connectivity provides integrated systems with clear overview of information and control over resource management in real-time so any improvements can be realised almost immediately.
Companies like Crestron provide such technologies, allowing tenants and building owners to improve efficiency in resource management. Their proprietary system, Crestron FusionTM, allows tracking of energy usage through collection of data. Sensors monitor real-time and historical data and help to remotely control and schedule the usage of lightings and facilities in buildings for optimum energy efficiency.
Resource management, such as powering down lights when the systems detect zero activities, or adjusting cooling systems based on building temperature can now be automatically adjusted. This not only ensures resources are more efficiently utilised but also bring about an improved experience for the building users.
Energy Savings Smart buildings monitor efficient energy usage through data collection and intelligent design. En-trak, a Hong Kong-based energy management solutions provider, uses IoT-enabled sensors and lighting, such as En-trak Energy and En-trakTM Smart Lighting to regulate energy usage and control lighting
For example, the company deployed En-trak Energy at Hong Kong’s English Schools Foundation’s (ESF) 22 institutions with sensors and meters to monitor and record energy consumption through a centralised system in real-time. With automation of resource and energy usage, ESF saved over HKD$1.1million in energy bills, 760,000 kWh of energy as well as reduced carbon emissions by over 600 tonnes within the first 10 months.
Energy savings can also be achieved through minimising external conditions that affect the use of the building’s resources. For example, research has shown that solar radiation through building windows account for approximately 40 percent of a building’s load on cooling systems. Smart tinting systems such as AGC -Kinestral’s Halio respond to external environment by adjusting its window tint automatically to deflect solar radiation. With internal building environments less affected by external factors, tenants can reduce up to 40 percent of energy usage in cooling systems and lighting.
Improving Experience of Tenants and Property Owners Smart buildings provide convenience and automation to its tenants, akin to that of driverless cars. Lumani, a Singapore-based start-up developing next generation smart solutions for buildings is one fine example. LumaZones, the company’s open IoT system, makes use of sensors for autonomous operations of energy management.
By measuring occupancy level, it is able to adjust air temperature and lighting for a specified zone in the building, allowing for a tailored experience for users without any manual intervention. Engaging this system, a 1000-square-metre co-space office in Taipei has seen a 75 percent savings in energy usage for its lighting system.
Iot Technologies is the Way Forward for Property Owners IoT is transforming every facet of the building and construction industry – from how it is built to how we can conserve resources and how the experience of users in the building can be enhanced. Although capital costs for green buildings seem to be higher than traditional ones, the life-cycle costs have been proven to be a lot lower, with payback happening a lot faster.
With data as the new lifeblood of every ecosystem, the industry can look forward to advanced sensors powering each stage of a building’s evolution, from design and construction to actual building management. The rapid innovation in the industry is proof that smart buildings will soon dominate skylines across the region.
EDGE has been expanded to include the full stage of a building’s life cycle. Now it’s possible to certify existing buildings and major renovations in addition to new construction.
The assessment of existing buildings and major renovations within the EDGE App attests to the building’s features, not its performance. In this way, EDGE serves as an asset rating instrument that defines whether a building has met the minimum standard of 20 percent less energy, 20 percent less water and 20 percent less embodied energy in materials compared to a base case building.
Broadening the scope of EDGE to include buildings of all vintages is beneficial to many different market players, including managers, banks and buyers:
Portfolio owners and real estate investment management companies can certify their stock to prove the resource efficiency of their assets.
Banks offering mortgages and financing energy retrofit projects can take a measurable approach to reducing the risk associated with property investments.
Homebuyers purchasing a pre-existing home are assured of the quality of their investment and know that they are doing the right thing for the environment.
For those who are interested in certifying an existing building, the first step is to create your project within the EDGE app. For pricing and to request a quote, choose your country in the Certify section.
EDGE experts can provide technical assistance to clients in the certification of existing buildings. While this is not required, project owners may be interested in choosing one of the EDGE experts around the world to help expedite a project. For additional inquiries, email edge@ifc.org.
Paya Lebar Quarter by Lendlease, a $3.2 billion mixed-use development, is the first in Singapore to achieve a Platinum rating under the Building and Construction Authority’s (BCA) latest version of its Green Mark scheme for new non-residential buildings, Green Mark for Non-Residential Buildings NRB: 2015.
Currently benchmarked as the highest sustainability standard for non-residential buildings in Singapore, the GM NRB: 2015 Platinum has been awarded to Paya Lebar Quarter’s three office towers and retail mall. The development’s residential component, Park Place Residences at PLQ has also been awarded the BCA Green Mark Platinum for Residential Buildings.
GM 2015 addresses sustainability in a balanced and holistic manner which rewards overall performance of buildings that are climate responsive, energy effective, resource efficient, smarter and have healthier indoor environments.1 The assessment criteria also reflects a strong recognition of sustainable design features that boost the health and well-being of building occupants.
Paya Lebar Quarter’s sustainability vision focuses on creating an active, green and engaged environment by putting people at the centre of its design. The development offers more than 100,000 square feet of green public spaces, seamlessly linked with the Park Connector Network. Its public space design which fuses retail, entertainment and leisure experiences allows the community to engage in a diverse range of activities and the vast, open spaces where they can relax and mingle makes Paya Lebar Quarter a vibrant, evolving place.
Mr. Richard Paine, Managing Director of Paya Lebar Quarter by Lendlease, commented: “Lendlease places people at the heart of our vision to create the best places. We are deeply honoured and encouraged by this award, recognising our holistic approach towards sustainability which is aligned to BCA’s Green Mark evolvement placing greater focus on the health and well-being of building occupants, energy effectiveness, climatically contextual design, smart buildings and resource use. We will continue to create inclusive urban living spaces that redefine the way people work, live and lead truly connected lives.”
PLQ Public Realm
Paya Lebar Quarter recognises that an efficient performing building will also result in operational savings enhancing property valuation on top of conserving the environment. As such, the precinct has incorporated various features to efficiently use resources throughout the building’s life cycle.
With the implementation of high efficiency water fittings along with monitoring and leak detection systems, the development expects to save over 40 percent of water annually during operations. The development will also achieve over 30 percent in energy savings, in comparison to a reference building designed for code compliance. The energy savings stem from a variety of design solutions, from high performance facades to the use of Light Emitting Diodes (LED) and more efficient air-conditioning systems.
Future retail and office tenants will also benefit from Lendlease’s Green Lease program, which encourages tenants to adopt sustainable fittings, equipment and mindsets for operational savings and providing a healthier environment for their employees in their tenancies.
The project’s focus on health and wellbeing on top of energy efficiency is also evident from other progressive initiatives throughout Paya Lebar Quarter. The lush landscaping resulted in a precinct-wide Green Plot Ratio of 6.93 and the precinct wide tree-positive strategy means there will be three times more trees as compared to the original site. Paya Lebar Quarter will also introduce some of the best active mobility provisions in Singapore, including end-of-trip facilities for office and retail tenants, ample bicycle parking spaces, and almost one kilometre of dedicated mobility routes seamlessly connected to the wider Park Connector Network.
PLQ Promenade
Paya Lebar Quarter’s Green Mark achievements are the latest in a series of sustainability milestones, testament to Lendlease’s commitment to creating liveable cities that positively contribute to the social, economic and environmental fabrics across urban landscapes. In addition to Green Mark, Paya Lebar Quarter is also the first private mixed-use development to be designed and certified under the Public Utilities Board (PUB)’s Active, Beautiful and Clean Waters (ABC Waters) programme through the incorporation of water sensitive urban design principles.
Lendlease’s mixed-use development in Jurong, Jem®, one of the first mixed-use developments to achieve Green Mark Platinum Version 4.0 in 2012; its 313@somerset mall along Orchard Road is the first shopping mall in Singapore to be recertified under the Green Mark Platinum Award (Existing Building Version 3.0) in 2014; Parkway Parade is one of the first mixed use developments in Singapore to have achieved the BCA Green Mark Platinum Existing Building (Non-Residential) criteria in 2010. Lendlease has also won 50 Sustainability awards to date for other projects in Singapore.
New York City-based Laguarda.Low Architects has been awarded first prize in an international competition conducted by OCT Group for the design of OCT Bao‘an, a new large-scale planned waterfront development in Shenzhen’s Bao‘an district in China. With stunning views of Qianhai Bay, Laguarda.Low’s master plan and design encompasses a 128-acre site and creates dynamic spaces for business, retail and entertainment.
As both Master Planner and Master Architect for the project, and in collaboration with renowned landscape design firm SWA, the Laguarda.Low Architects’ design integrates nature, recreation and culture into a new urban setting. The site is divided into four primary zones, connected by pedestrian paths, integrated waterscapes, and landscaped promenades. The four zones include a new Urban Business District, a multi-level Retail Park, a Culture Heritage Park and a Book Market.
“We are very proud to have been selected to design such a dynamic development that will incorporate the Laguarda.Low vision for this location,” states John Low, Principal of Laguarda.Low. “OCT Bao’an is an outstanding development and we’re confident that this project will complement the evolving neighbourhood in one of China’s most important cities.”
Laguarda.Low’s plan positions a multi-level retail village at the centre of the site, surrounded by four residential towers to the northeast; three office towers to the southeast; a hotel to the south; an indoor mall to the west; and a new performance hall and an exhibition facility to the north, across from the city’s green belt. A central loop connects the various zones and provides access to parking below.
At the south end of the site, the Urban Business District includes seven 13-storey office buildings and a 13-storey hotel. The tiered glass structures feature landscaped terraces and green roofs that collect rainwater and limit solar heat gain. The office buildings serve as a captivating backdrop to the waterfront development and frame the sloping, landscaped-formed retail park to the east, providing direct access to the waterfront. Large domed skylights merge the line between indoor and outdoor spaces. The four-story design elevates the traditional shopping experience with expansive natural light, dynamic circulation and expansive green spaces.
At the north end of the site, the Cultural Heritage Park provides numerous options for leisure and entertainment, including a retail centre and pedestrian paths leading to an open-air plaza and a performing arts centre next door. Water serves as a key element of the design by separating the various aquatic activities and creating a sense of discovery among spaces where visitors can explore the waterfront promenade and excursion boats, as well as a new Cultural Heritage Centre, X Sports Park, playground, food and beverage garden, and performance amphitheatre.
The Book Market is situated on the eastern parcel of the site, adjacent to a new library and youth centre. The subterranean space houses a multi-level bookstore and food hall with direct connections to the subway and the neighbouring youth facilities. Above the structure is a landscaped park that surrounds a dramatic skylight and space to appreciate the natural beauty and tranquillity of the outdoors.
“Our firm is honoured to again be working with OCT Group, and add to their impressive roster of 21st century developments,” said Pablo Laguarda, Principal of Laguarda.Low. “We are dedicated to contributing the highest quality design to Shenzhen’s growing business and entertainment districts, and OCT Bao’an will showcase our shared passion for design that does the utmost to enhance the surrounding environment.”
The spectacular waterfront site sits 13 miles west of Shenzhen’s city center and is less than an hour drive from Hong Kong. The development also includes two subway stations on Shenzhen’s Huangzhong Line (Line 5), making the area prime for development.
Sunseap has more than 160 megawatts of contracted solar project capacity in Singapore.
Sunseap Group Pte Ltd, one of Southeast Asia’s largest sustainable energy providers, has received a $15 million loan from United Overseas Bank (UOB) for a series of solar projects in Singapore.
These include the 9.5-megawatt peak (MWp) solar photovoltaic (PV) system at Jurong Port, the world’s largest solar PV system installed in a port, and the 2.4 MWp solar PV system at consumer electronics company Panasonic.
Mr Lawrence Wu, Co-Founder and Director of Sunseap, said: “We are delighted to have received the support of a forward-thinking organisation such as UOB, one that is known for their strong support of SMEs. The loan demonstrates UOB’s confidence in the solar industry in general and Sunseap in particular. “We are optimistic of the prospects for renewable energy in Singapore and the region, and believe that more enterprises in Singapore will embark on green initiatives.”
Mr Eric Tham, Head of Group Commercial Banking, UOB, said, “As a leading bank in Asia, UOB is committed to supporting investments, such as clean technology projects, that contribute to the sustainable development of economies and communities. We are pleased to be funding solar-powered initiatives that will help reduce the carbon footprint of companies in Singapore.”
To-date, Sunseap has more than 160 megawatts of contracted solar project capacity in Singapore, which has been deployed or is in the course of being deployed. Some of its clients include Apple, Housing Development Board, Singapore American School, Raffles Institution, the United Technologies Group and ABB.
Sunseap also has a pipeline of overseas projects in Cambodia, India, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia and Australia. In Cambodia, Sunseap has received the backing of the Asian Development Bank to build the country’s first large-scale solar power farm. The farm is expected to begin operations in August this year.
One Bangkok is the largest private sector property development initiative ever undertaken in Thailand.
TCC Assets (Thailand) Co., Ltd. and Frasers Centrepoint Limited (“FCL”) will jointly develop ‘One Bangkok’, Thailand’s first and largest fully integrated district built on people-centric principles and a focus on environmental sustainability and smart-city living. Out of the total land area of 16.7 hectares, the project has a generous allocation of 8 hectares of green and open space to the city centre. It promises to become a new global landmark when its first components open in 2021.
The project, called One Bangkok, is the largest private sector property development initiative ever undertaken in Thailand with an estimated investment value of approximately US$3.5 billion. The project promises to become a new global landmark when its first components open in 2021. Mr Charoen Sirivadhanabhakdi, Chairman of TCC Group and FCL, said, “The fundamental aim in the planning and design of One Bangkok is to enhance Bangkok’s stature as a key gateway city in Asia.”
One Bangkok is a fully integrated “city-within-a-city” district. When all components are completed in 2025, it will have a gross floor area of 1.83 million square metres, comprising five Grade A office towers built to LEED and WELL standards, five luxury and lifestyle hotels, three ultra-luxury residential towers, a comprehensive array of retail offerings within differentiated retail precincts, as well as a rich variety of civic areas, and art and culture facilities.
Eight hectares of its total land area of 16.7 hectares is dedicated to greenery and open spaces. The land is leased from the Crown Property Bureau and enjoys a prime location right next to Bangkok’s largest central park – Lumphini Park – with direct linkages to the city’s mass transit systems, as well as easy access to the expressway network.
An estimated 60,000 people will live and work in the district when complete. Image courtesy of Atchain.
Mr Charoen said, “We are honoured to be entrusted by the Crown Property Bureau to turn this important plot of land in the heart of the city into a showpiece district. It is a responsibility that I am privileged to carry and I affirm my commitment to ensure the creation of something exceptional and transformational.”
He added, “With One Bangkok, I hope to enhance global confidence in Thailand as the epicentre of ASEAN and a key gateway and lifestyle city in Asia, as well as bring prosperity to all associated with the project, whether as tenants, owners, or business partners.”
“To accomplish this game-changing endeavour, I have placed my confidence in two TCC Group companies that perfectly complement each other, combining the financial strength and local knowhow of TCC Assets with the enormous international property development expertise of Frasers Property,” Mr Charoen noted. He added that One Bangkok ‘s design will be sensitive to its social and cultural context, incorporating Thailand’s heritage, and make the district an integral part of the city. TCC Assets holds 80.1 percent, and Frasers Property Holdings holds 19.9 percent.
One Bangkok is the first project in Thailand to target LEED Platinum certification. for Neighborhood Development. Image courtesy of Atchain.
Ms Su Lin Soon, a real estate professional and Chief Executive Officer of One Bangkok, said, “Accessibility, connectivity, and sustainability are top priorities in our urban planning. New quality standards, international best practices and diversity in the mix of uses and architecture are fundamental features of the master plan, designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill. Supported by local expertise from Plan Associates, and A49, the master plan combines both international and local experiences from the most influential architectural and urban planning firms.”
She added, “One Bangkok will also be the first district in Thailand to be built entirely around sustainability principles and to LEED for Neighbourhood Development Platinum standards.
The Bukit Raja manufacturing facility is also a showcase of MHE-Demag’s innovative solutions.
MHE-Demag, a joint venture between Terex MHPS GmbH and Jebsen & Jessen (SEA) Pte Ltd, has officially opened its largest manufacturing and warehouse facility in Bukit Raja, Malaysia. Developed at a cost of RM45 million, the facility can operate at a capacity of 200,000 production hours a year, a 54 percent increase from the previous site. The facility is also expected to support the fabricated metal products and machinery & equipment industries; two key areas that have been identified as drivers for the manufacturing sector to attain its projected growth of 5.1 percent per annum.
With a built-up area of close to 15,000 square metres sitting on over 26,000 square metres of land, the plant is also the largest and first-of-its kind crane manufacturing facility in Malaysia and the region. Capable of building cranes of up to 50-meter span, this plant will primarily serve customers from Malaysia, Australia, Cambodia, Myanmar and Singapore, who hail from various industrial sectors where lifting, moving and maintenance of materials or machineries are required.
Mr Karl Tilkorn, Regional Managing Director, MHE-Demag, said, “This investment cements MHE-Demag’s commitment to Malaysia over the past 40 years, and is an important step forward for us. This plant is the largest and most modern of our eleven manufacturing facilities across the Southeast Asian region. Each industrial crane needs to be individually designed and custom fabricated, hence the larger production facility along with state-of-the- art equipment will allow us to maintain our leadership position to meet the high standards required by our growing customer portfolio, particularly with the prestigious projects we have secured.”
The facility will also host MHE-Demag’s Regional Training Centre, where employees and customers throughout the Group will attend skills training and upgrading programmes to ensure excellence in operations, maintenance and safety for industrial cranes is maintained. The factory has also been built in reference to the Malaysian Green Building Index, incorporating the most environmentally friendly solutions.
Mr. Frankie Chan, Managing Director of MHE-Demag Malaysia said, “We have put a lot of focus on creating conducive work areas that have a low impact on the environment. This includes building for natural ventilation and employee well-being; from utilising translucent panels to allow for extensive natural light to investing in ergonomic workstations. Our Regional Director, Mr. Joergen Moeller, also personally managed the construction process of this manufacturing facility from design to final stage. I strongly believe the new factory will enhance employee comfort and increase their motivation, leading to greater customer satisfaction.”
. Leading MHE-Demag material handling products such as lift trucks, dock levellers, aerial work platforms, building maintenance systems for safe working at heights, as well as automated car parking systems are employed in industrial applications throughout this facility.
Easily accessible via the North Klang Valley Expressway, Federal Highway, the New North Klang Straits Bypass and the new proposed Coastal Highway, the Bukit Raja manufacturing facility also connect to major ports such as Port Klang, Northport and West Port within 30 minutes.
Besides Bukit Raja, MHE-Demag has another manufacturing facility at Simpang Renggam, Johor, and twelve sales & service offices within Malaysia. In addition, a service depot is also established in KLCC.