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BEX Asia and MCE Asia 2016 Fulfil Industry’s Call for Climate Change Solutions

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As Southeast Asia’s leading green conventions, BEX and MCE Asia provided excellent touch points for industry stakeholders looking to gain a competitive edge.

As Southeast Asia’s leading green conventions, BEX and MCE Asia provided excellent touch points for industry stakeholders looking to gain a competitive edge.

Against a backdrop of heightened environmental sustainability and growing market demand for green events, exemplary trade shows Build Eco Xpo (BEX) Asia and Mostra Convegno Expocomfort (MCE) Asia 2016 concluded on a high note, bringing together a total of 11,976 visitors across 57 countries over three days from 7 to 9 September, 2016 – an 8 percent increase in participation from 2015.

Held during the Singapore Green Building Week, the ninth edition of BEX and second edition of MCE Asia played host to 450 exhibiting companies from 27 countries and regions, including China, Germany, Italy, Japan, Taiwan, and United States. 48 industry practitioners also shared insights on multiple verticals crucial to advancing the sustainability agenda at complementary seminars, Green View and MostraXchange. Topics discussed included renewable energy, green architectures, smart technologies and energy efficient solutions, as well as the often neglected heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) systems.

As Southeast Asia’s leading green conventions, BEX and MCE Asia provided excellent touch points for industry stakeholders looking to gain a competitive edge and stand out in an increasingly saturated market. Reed Exhibitions recognises this and with its refreshed Business Concierge programme, facilitated a total of 373 business meetings, with more than US$130 million expected in green building business transactions.

Louise Chua, Business Development Director and Project Director, Reed Exhibitions, the organiser for BEX and MCE Asia 2016, said, “In line with the Building and Construction Authority of Singapore’s recent efforts to encourage building users and owners to play a bigger role in the green building industry, we’re very proud to have created a platform through BEX and MCE Asia where the various stakeholders can come together to have a better understanding and awareness to transform spaces and buildings to be more environmentally-friendly.”

Echoing similar sentiments is returning BEX Asia exhibitor, Big Ass Solutions.David Williams, General Manager, Big Ass Solutions said, “BEX Asia was a great opportunity for us to highlight our energy efficient, smart building technologies like our fans and lighting to key stakeholders. We were able to build on existing business relationships, as well as forge new connections within the industry.”

The ninth edition of BEX and second edition of MCE Asia played host to 450 exhibiting companies from 27 countries and regions.

The ninth edition of BEX and second edition of MCE Asia played host to 450 exhibiting companies from 27 countries and regions.

In the same vein, returning exhibitor, Florence Chan, Managing Director of Camfil said “Speaking at the Green View seminar allowed us to go beyond our product offerings and sustain discussions on issues that plague the region such as the recurring haze situation, which emphasizes the importance of having not just timely and efficient solutions, but innovative ones.”

Over at MCE Asia, the spotlight continues to be shone on how buildings’ cooling systems need to be improved and properly maintained to achieve energy efficiency. Said Markus Yang, CEO of Eura Drives, “With a focus on all things related to the HVAC-R sector, MCE Asia provides a much needed sharing platform for knowledge and expertise on heating and cooling systems.

Added Daniel Testar, Chief Representative, Reflex Winkelmann, “As the only edition in Asia, MCE Asia presents us with a unique launch pad to position ourselves in key Asian markets and reach out to stakeholders in the tropical belt region.”

BEX Asia and MCE Asia are the anchor events of the Singapore Green Building Week, alongside the International Green Building Conference (IGBC) organized by the Building and Construction Authority of Singapore (BCA). The next editions of BEX Asia and MCE Asia will be held from 13 to 15 September, 2017.

More information about the Singapore Green Building Week, International Green Building Conference, BEX and MCE Asia 2016 is available at www.sgbw.com.sg, www.bex-asia.com and www.mcexpocomfort-asia.com.

CDL’S Forest Woods Receives Strong Interest Ahead of Launch

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There were large crowds at the Forest Woods show flat preview that started on 24 September.

There were large crowds at the Forest Woods show flat preview that started on 24 September.

Forest Woods by City Developments Limited (CDL) and joint venture partners, Hong Leong Holdings Limited and TID Pte Ltd, has received keen interest since its show flat preview began on 24 September. There were strong enquiries for this highly anticipated new condominium in Serangoon Central which is expected to be launched next week.

Forest Woods comprises seven 12-storey blocks, most of which are within the one-kilometre radius of Paya Lebar Methodist Girls’ School (Primary) and Yangzheng Primary School, making it a major draw for families with children. Other schools in the vicinity include: Cedar Primary School, CHIJ Our Lady of Good Counsel, Maris Stella High School, St. Gabriel’s Primary School, St. Gabriel’s Secondary School, Stamford American International School, Xinghua Primary School, Zhonghua Primary School and Zhonghua Secondary School.

The project offers one-bedroom with study to four-bedroom apartments, and single-storey five- bedroom penthouses. Unit sizes range from 506 square feet (sq ft) for a one-bedroom with study to 2,185 square feet for the largest penthouse unit. Apartments are attractively priced from S$688,000 for a one-bedroom with study unit, S$838,000 for a two-bedroom, S$1.1 million for a three-bedroom, and S$1.65 million for a four-bedroom.

Flexible Layout and Finishes for Different Lifestyles

An illustration of a 3-bedroom unit at Forest Woods.

An illustration of a 3-bedroom unit at Forest Woods.

Catering to varied lifestyle requirements, select units offer the option to customise rooms with flexible layout and configurations. For example, the Open Study concept is suitable for parents who wish to supervise their children from any part of the home. The Ensuite Study concept is ideal for working professionals who prefer to work in the comfort and privacy of his or her expanded bedroom. For fashionistas who need space for their trove of beloved items, they may opt for the Walk-in Wardrobe concept.

Home owners of all units are given a choice of either a warm or cool colour scheme for the finishes, accompanied with the finest in branded kitchen appliances from Bosch and bathroom fittings from Grohe.

Making Life Better With Smart Home Technology
Forest Woods leverages smart home technology to make life better in tangible yet subtle ways. All units will be equipped with:

  • Smart Home Center Lite to easily control smart devices and sensors installed
  • Smart Door Sensor to monitor the opening of doors for added security
  • Smart IP Camera to monitor what is happening at home when residents are away
  • Smart Lighting Control and Air Conditioner Control to automate lights and air-conditioning remotely.

When Forest Woods is completed, residents can also add on the Smart Digital Lock, Smart Wall Plug, Smart Smoke Sensor, Smart Multimedia, Smart Roller Blind, and Smart Motion Sensor, for an additional cost.

Mr Chia Ngiang Hong, CDL Group General Manager said, “For a few years, no project of this size was launched in the much sought-after Serangoon Central area. We have received strong interest for this highly-anticipated launch as Forest Woods comes across as a compelling purchase for new home buyers, upgraders and investors. It has an extremely prime location in a mature estate, very near the Serangoon MRT Interchange, bus interchange and Nex Shopping Mall, with easy access to amenities, expressways and many schools. Forest Woods also offers great value at attractive pricing, and several unique facilities. We expect a good take-up when sales commence.”

PSB Academy Breaks New Ground With New Campus Plans

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Artist's impression of PSB Academy's new foyer for both students and staff to gather.

Artist’s impression of PSB Academy’s new foyer for both students and staff to gather.

PSB Academy recently announced plans for anew city campus in Marina Square, occupying a space of more than 100,000 square feet across two floors. Designed to be an oasis of learning, the centrally located campus draws much inspiration from Singapore’s identity as an innovation hub and “a garden city” with a blend of advanced technology features in a refreshingly green environment with natural plants and lighting.

PSB Academy’s new campus will host English proficiency programmes, as well as accounting and finance and business and communication diploma, degree and post-graduate courses from university partners such as The University of Newcastle, Australia, The University of Wollongong, Australia, Edinburgh Napier University UK, Loughborough University UK and Coventry University, UK among others.

Students can look forward to spaces that are designed and engineered for both learning and leisure. In spite of the constraints of a city campus for example, there will be dynamic lighting that will automatically adjust to suit the time of day, to simulate an outdoor campus experience indoors. More breakout areas have also been planned, which provide student sample spaces for discussions in between classes, or for self-study.

The new, fully Wi-Fi-enabled, campus will provide students and staff with a glass-housed radio and television studio, a town hall, a student hub, classroom configurations which allow for better collaborative learning, acoustically-treated MBA rooms – that will not require microphones for voice amplification -and auditoriums that can seat more than 300 people, amongst other features.

Designs around these new facilities are centred on the theme of making “learning an adventure”, one that would encourage curiosity and exploration as part of their education journey at PSB Academy. These are expressed through design features inspired by natural landscapes from across the world, such as trekking trails, cliff faces and caverns.

Universal design a key feature in the new campus
PSB Academy’s new campus environment is also built for simple and intuitive use, with barrier-free concepts aimed at making the new facilities accessible to its diverse and cosmopolitan student community. The school’s location is in itself a perk for all commuters—they can now enjoy with a direct route to school from City Hall and Promenade MRT, the latter of which is only a 5-minute, completely sheltered walk in air-conditioned comfort.

Wheelchair-friendly features for example, have been built into classrooms, lecture theatres and auditoriums. For added convenience to school services, there will also be e-payment and ticketing systems—a first for the school—that will help students make appointments with academic staff or student services.

In a bid to make learning online and offline a contemporary, seamless experience, the school will also be launching a new version of Moodle, an e-learning platform, across all its classrooms. This learning platform gives educators, administrators and learners access to a single robust, secure and integrated system that automatically syncs video recording of lessons and lectures with the school’s scheduling systems to create downloadable content for student access to more online learning and revision material.

Academy of the Future
PSB Academy is seizing on this opportunity to unveil its next phase of transformation as a leading education institution for higher learning for Singapore and beyond, with a new marketing campaign for the new campus, titled “Future Academy”. The theme reflects the Academy’s mission to groom and equip students for the future economy.

Artist's impression of the library, which provides students ample spaces for discussions in between classes, or for self-study.

Artist’s impression of the library, which provides students ample spaces for discussions in between classes, or for self-study.

“With our expansion into Marina Square, we are taking PSB Academy’s unique brand of industry-ready education to the heart of Singapore’s city centre. Our new campus is a destination that will offer a fun and enriching education experience for our students. The future of learning needs to be one that is fully attuned to the needs of the future economy, and a campus experience that is reminiscent of a continuous adventure of learning, one which inspires students to make connections, collaborate and co-create,” said Derrick Chang, Chief Operating Officer, PSB Academy.

“In our vision as a Future Academy, we, along with our world-class partner universities, will be breaking new ground into more areas of academic teaching and student-learning as we continue to gear up our graduates with an industry-ready education to thrive in our Smart Nation and beyond.”

“We look forward to welcoming PSB Academy to Marina Square, and are confident that both students and staff will enjoy being at the heart of the city. We are proud to offer the convenience of many facilities in and around their new city campus, where they can expect to create new memories, as they also break ground into fresh possibilities in quality higher education,” said Ms Chan Yien Mei, General Manager, Marina Centre Holdings Pte Ltd.

The campus move is slated to start from the fourth quarter of 2016. To find out more, click HERE.

Concrete Asia Launches First Dedicated Concrete and Construction Trade Show in Thailand

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The 4-in-1 exhibition and conference aims to attract over 450 exhibitors, brands and thousands of trade professionals from across the region.

The 4-in-1 exhibition and conference aims to attract over 450 exhibitors, brands and thousands of trade professionals from across the region.

Scheduled to take place from 21 to 23 September, 2016 at the IMPACT Exhibition & Convention Centre in Bangkok, Thailand, Concrete Asia 2016 is jointly organised by the Asian Concrete Construction Industry in partnership with Globe International Events Consultancy Pte Ltd, Singapore and Impact Exhibition Management Company Thailand. It aims to gather industry professionals to network and display a full spectrum of the concrete supply chain in the world of civil construction for paving, surfacing, building and infrastructure.

Concrete Asia 2016 will be held as part of the Asian Construction Week, which also comprises of BMAM Expo Asia 2016 and GBR Expo Asia 2016, presenting a mega presentation in over 200,000 square feet of exhibition area that will showcase the latest products and technologies. There will also be more than 20 seminars and conferences held alongside during the Asian Construction Week.

Increased urbanisation, investment, government spending, and consumer spending has set Concrete Asia to target the Asian economies which is expected to double in the next 10 to 15 years. To accommodate the striving demand, the Asia’s construction market is expected to grow in both residential and infrastructure sectors. ASEAN is a trillion dollar economy, with growth expected to reach US$4 trillion in 2020 and is the perfect market for the concrete industry.

As the world enters the 4th industrial Revolution, which is also known as “Industry 4.0” defined by the application of Internet of Things (IOT), big data analytics, cyber-physical systems and many other advanced technologies, the concrete industry stands on the threshold of a major transformation that requires economies around the world, including Asia, to redefine and reinvent themselves in order to progress and thrive, according to Professor Dai Xianming, President of the Asian Concrete Construction Institute (ACCI).

“Besides having the exhibition itself presenting trade and networking opportunities, the event is also a strong content platform in terms of the trends, technology and knowledge which are essential for the continual development of the concrete construction in the region. I welcome all in the industry to grow their businesses to success together with our event when it officially opens in September 2016”, said Mr. Loy Joon How, General Manager, IMPACT Exhibition Management Co.

The 4-in-1 exhibition and conference aims to attract over 450 exhibitors, brands and thousands of trade professionals from across the region. The event’s hosted VIP buyer programme will also host more than 120 key buyers from across the region to facilitate close door buyer-seller meetings.

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.

BEI Asia Awards Held Successfully for Third Consecutive Year

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Winners of the BEI Asia Awards 2015/16. Image courtesy of www.facebook.com/BEIasiaAwards

Winners of the BEI Asia Awards 2015/16. Image courtesy of www.facebook.com/BEIasiaAwards

The prestigious Built Environment Industry (BEI) Asia Awards 2015/16 Awards Ceremony and Gala dinner took place on May 19 2016 at ONE°15 Marina Club, a premier marina and lifestyle club nestled within Sentosa Cove.

Organised by PTL Group, the BEI Asia Awards was first launched in 2013 to recognise, reward, and honour the achievements of leading enterprises across Singapore’s Built Environment Industry. The event was graced by  Guest of Honour, Mr. Lui Tuck Yew, Former Minister for Transport and Second Minister for Defence, and was attended by over 300 guests – some of whom had flown in from overseas to witness and celebrate the triumphs of the well-deserving winners.

BEI Asia Award 2016 now spans across the globe with 25 award winners from Australia, Japan, the United Kingdom, Malaysia and Singapore. A combined turnover in excess of SGD$16 billion were honoured for the enterprises’ proactive contributions to the Built Environment Industry with a focus on Green initiatives, innovation and sustainability.

BEI Asia Award 2016 also saw the introduction of the “The Environmental Conservation Award”, which recognises the corporation’s efforts to create a voice for the conservation and preservation of our habitat and natural resources. Moreover, the rebranding of the Asia Green Building Award to Asia Green Business Award highlights the outstanding achievements of the local and regional companies within this sector who are at the forefront of promoting sustainability efforts in their businesses.

id212 Pte Ltd has won at the BEI Asia Awards three consecutive years in a row. Image courtesy of www.facebook.com/BEIasiaAwards

id212 Pte Ltd has won at the BEI Asia Awards three consecutive years in a row. Image courtesy of www.facebook.com/BEIasiaAwards

Mr. Fong Kwok Shiung, Chairman of the Awards Organising Committee, stated in his welcoming speech, “They have successfully turned their green initiatives into innovative product and service offerings, which provide environmentally friendly and sustainable methods or solutions to help reduce our carbon footprint, recycle and recover from material scrapes and reusing them so as to minimise the waste they emit on a per project basis.”

Nominees of the BEI Asia awards were required to submit a comprehensive submission kit and undergo a face-to-face interview with an independent panel of judges. Looking beyond the impressive financial growth and business model of each entry, the judges looked for organisations that have been adopting best business practices when conducting their businesses.

Led by Chief Judge, Professor Willie Tan, Head of the Department of Building at the National University of Singapore, said, “For us (judges), we not only look at their business model, strategy and vision, but also how the company looks after its own internal stakeholders and how they contribute back to society and care for the environment.”

For a full list of winners, visit the BEI Asia Awards page.

Er. Edwin Khew Assumes Presidency of IES

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Er. Edwin Khew.

Er. Edwin Khew.

The Institution of Engineers, Singapore (IES) recently announced that (Er.) Edwin Khew, Managing Director of Anaergia Singapore Pte Ltd, will be taking over the reins of IES Presidency from Er. Chong Kee Sen.

Er. Khew will be officially inaugurated as the IES President for a term of two years (Sessions 2016/17 and 2017/18) at the 50th IES Annual General Meeting (AGM) to be held on 28 May 2016 at the Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre.

For his new appointment, Er. Khew has set three key thrusts in collaboration with the IES Council: to deliver greater value and relevance to IES members, to raise the profile of engineering as the profession of choice and to steer IES towards becoming the focal point and strategic partner for all present and future engineering initiatives in Singapore.

“It is a huge responsibility to be the IES President during its Golden Jubilee Year especially as Singapore crosses into its second 50 years of development. This is a critical juncture that will determine the success of Singapore’s future growth into the high tech sector and being a smart nation, as engineering will be one of the key professions required to drive these areas of growth. I do hope to steer IES to strengthen its engineering excellence through the development of strong and active technical committees (TCs) covering all sectors of engineering in IES and in enthusing the young to take up an interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics). We hope that by showing students how they can be part of this exciting future growth of Singapore, they will be encouraged to take up engineering after they leave school,” said Er. Khew.

Er. Khew will also focus on the softer aspects of engineering, especially in promoting social and environmental responsibility amongst IES members and in encouraging young engineers to be more enterprising. He has made significant contributions to Singapore’s Cleantech, sustainable energy and manufacturing industries. He played a leading role in the establishment of the first Cleantech Incubator/Accelerator for Singapore start-ups and foreign companies in 2013. He was also the former President of the Singapore Manufacturers’ Federation, the current Chairman of the Sustainable Energy Association of Singapore (SEAS) and Chairman of the Singapore Standards Council. Er Khew served as a Nominated Member of Parliament between 2006 and 2008 and was awarded the Public Service Medal (PBM) by the President of Singapore during Singapore’s National Day in 2014.

Er. Khew has been an IES member since 2006 and served as a Vice President in the IES Council from 2008 to 2015. He has made pivotal contributions as the head of several groups and as the chair of the Chemical and Process Engineering Technical Committee (CAPE TC) where he took on the Presidency of the Asia Pacific Conference of Chemical Engineering Congress (APCChE) in 2012, which was held in Singapore for the second time after 25 years. Er. Khew succeeds the 25th IES President, Er. Chong Kee Sen, director of civil & structural consulting engineering firm, Engineers 9000 Pte Ltd.

“Er. Khew is an exemplary engineer, a successful entrepreneur and an inspiring leader. His passion for engineering and wealth of knowledge make him the ideal candidate to lead IES to its next chapter of growth. I am confident that IES will achieve great heights under his leadership,” said Er. Chong.

Singapore Remains Most Attractive Country for Infrastructure Investment

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singapore-431421_960_720Singapore, with its stable political situation, secure business environment and strong growth potential, remains the most attractive market for infrastructure investors, according to Arcadis, a global design and consultancy firm.

Singapore has retained its position as the world’s most attractive market for the third edition of the Global Infrastructure Investment Index. The report highlights the most dynamic and attractive markets for infrastructure investment worldwide.

Singapore ranked consistently highly across business, risk, infrastructure and financial indicators, and despite a slightly lower score for economic factors, it maintains a strong overall economic environment. Whilst most projects have traditionally been publicly funded, Singapore is seeking to develop involvement from private institutional investors. Work is underway in the city-state to improve understanding of infrastructure as an asset class to make it more attractive to investors, part of which includes the development of new benchmarking tools.

Currently, Singapore invests around 5 percent of its GDP on infrastructure, equivalent to US$20 billion in 2015, and this continues to rise. By 2020, Singapore aims to invest 6 percent of GDP, the equivalent of US$30 billion, which makes the market even more attractive for investment. Priority schemes are planned in healthcare and transport, including the expansion of Changi Airport through the construction of a fifth terminal. Previous expansion of the airport, which involved construction of Terminal 4, saw Arcadis acting as lead surveyor.

Elsewhere in Asia, Malaysia rose in the ranking to fifth place. Its strong economic performance and continued long-term investment in infrastructure, such as the capital’s metro system, have made the market attractive for investment. However, in the short term, investment is threatened by a number of risks, including its currency depreciation against the dollar and a high-profile corruption scandal that has delayed some projects.

In terms of economic score, China ranks first among the 41 countries analysed, yet its less attractive business conditions and higher risk environment keep it ranked at number 17 in the index.

The top ten most attractive countries for long-term infrastructure investment in 2016 are:

Screen Shot 2016-06-14 at 10.55.38 pm

 

 

 

 

 

The rankings for Asia Pacific countries are:

Screen Shot 2016-06-14 at 10.57.04 pm

 

 

 

 

Graham Kean, Head of Client Development at Arcadis Asia, said: “The index gives us valuable insights into how long-term political and economic stability leads to greater investment, so it is no surprise that Singapore remains at the top of the table. In the region as a whole, there is clearly a lot of social and public need for new infrastructure. There are a whole host of project ideas and plans out there, but they are not investible or bankable enough, which is the basic problem. The key to unlocking investments in the region hinges on making the projects bankable, an area which we have been supporting.”

Kean added, “We have already seen Asia-based investors taking positions globally as infrastructure becomes an increasingly popular asset class for private sector investors, particularly in times of increased risk and uncertainty. Income streams are relatively more stable and will be around for 30 years or more, the sort of timeframe some investors are increasingly drawn to. Short-term impacts can also create investment opportunities, such as a change of government or currency devaluation and these need to be weighed with the underpinning long-term situation.”

AIMS AMP Capital Industrial Reit Unveils Plans to Transform 8 & 10 Tuas Avenue 20

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The initiative also coincides with the opening of new highways, and the Tuas West MRT Station, which is conveniently located a short distance away.

The initiative also coincides with the opening of new highways, and the Tuas West MRT Station, which is conveniently located a short distance away.

The Manager of AIMS AMP Capital Industrial REIT (AA REIT) today announced plans to redevelop 8 & 10 Tuas Avenue 20 under its ongoing asset enhancement strategy. The redevelopment will transform two adjoining two-storey detached industrial spaces into a versatile industrial facility with ramp and cargo lift access, making it suitable for production and warehouse usage.

Due for completion in 2H of 2017, the property’s value upon completion is estimated at S$32 million**. Gross floor area will increase by around 41,614 square feet or 35 per cent, improving the plot ratio from 1.03 to the maximum of 1.4. The Manager’s Chief Executive Officer Mr Koh Wee Lih said, “We’re excited to announce this project as we focus on unlocking more organic growth from our portfolio through asset enhancements, to deliver long-term value for Unitholders.”

8 & 10 Tuas Avenue 20 represents AA REIT’s fourth development, adding to the Manager’s successful track record. Plans to redevelop this property were accelerated following a fire incident at the property, which resulted in partial damage. AA REIT’s insurance fully covered the loss of income caused by the incident, and the reinstatement of the asset.

Mr Koh said, “Rather than reinstate the buildings to their original condition where the specifications are customised, we will capitalise on its downtime, and the insurance compensation, to improve the property’s specifications for the current market. This is also timely as the master tenancy expires in mid-2016.”

The property contributed around one percent to AA REIT’s net rental revenue in FY2015. Mr Koh said, “With improving infrastructure and connectivity in Tuas, and supply of industrial spaces forecast to fall beyond 2017, the development’s completion will be well-timed for the market. The property’s value and desirability will also further increase when Singapore’s port facilities shift to Tuas, stimulating demand for production and warehouse facilities.”

The initiative also coincides with the opening of new highways, and the Tuas West MRT Station, which is conveniently located a short distance away. The redevelopment will cost approximately S$27 million (including land cost), and AA REIT has sufficient funding capacity for this project. The Trust’s pro-forma leverage will remain healthy at 33.7 per cent based on its position at 31 December 2015, and taking into account the completion of the 30 & 32 Tuas West Road and 8 & 10 Tuas Avenue 20 redevelopments.

Following a tender process, Boustead Projects Pte Ltd has been appointed as the redevelopment design-and-build partner. The redevelopment has obtained JTC’s in-principle approval but is still subjected to other relevant authorities’ approval.

 

** Based on Savills Valuation and Professional Services (S) Pte Ltd’s valuation dated 31 March 2016.

Tuas Power Aids Businesses in Reducing Energy Expenses With Tuas Power Integrated Energy Management Solution

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Dr. John Keung, Chief Executive Officer, BCA, was the Guest of Honour at the launch.

Dr. John Keung, Chief Executive Officer, BCA, was the Guest of Honour at the launch.

Tuas Power Generation Pte Ltd (Tuas Power), an energy solutions provider in the liberalised Singapore electricity market, recently announced the launch of Tuas Power Integrated Energy Management Solution (IEMS) for buildings and businesses.

The first of its kind launched by an electricity retailer, Tuas Power Supply (a subsidiary of Tuas Power Generation), Tuas Power IEMS provides an integrated suite of solutions tailored for building owners and tenants to better manage their energy consumption. With Tuas Power IEMS, building owners and businesses get an overview of their energy statistics, cost savings, and at the same time ensure that the building remains green and sustainable for the future.

In line with Building and Construction Authority’s 3rd Green Building Masterplan, Tuas Power IEMS will pave the way for businesses to monitor their energy consumption online, allowing for better control over energy usage. Tuas Power IEMS will ensure that both building owners and tenants are accountable for their energy use, which will promote change in consumption habits and increase in energy efficiency. Usage patterns containing real-time data will easily be available and will help both parties understand their usage patterns and identify possible cost savings areas. Many renowned buildings and developers had embarked on this solution as part of ensuring their building remains green and sustainable for the future.

Dr. John Keung, Chief Executive Officer, Building and Construction Authority, was present at the launch as the Guest of Honour, and felt that Tuas Power’s latest initiative is a good step towards helping building owners manage costs and improve energy efficiency.

“The third Green Building Masterplan was developed to engage building tenants and occupants more actively to drive energy consumption behavioural change,” Dr. Keung said. “Tuas Power’s Integrated Energy Management Solution for buildings and businesses facilitates tenants to better understand their energy usage pattern, thereby empowering them to make better decisions and adopt greener practices.”

Automated Meter Reading (AMR) Solution, Building Management Solution and CusCare App

The CusCare app condenses data into simple charts and statistics.

The CusCare app condenses data into simple charts and statistics.

Together with Tuas Power’s consultation expertise, the IEMS will consist of three main areas: Automated Meter Reading (AMR) Solution, Building Management Solution and CusCare App. With the AMR solution, businesses will be able to monitor their energy consumption through real-time, half- hourly data, allowing for better control over electricity usage.

Jointly developed with NEC Asia Pacific Pte Ltd, Tuas Power’s AMR solution automatically collects energy consumption data from electricity meters, and simultaneously transmits this data for accessing through the TPS AMR Portal. This enables building owners to identify areas to increase energy efficiency, which in turn works to achieve a smaller carbon footprint.

The Building Management Solution in Tuas Power IEMS is a way of ensuring good energy management. With proven track records of handling more than 630 buildings since 2003, Tuas Power has professional and in-house capabilities to handle the management of tenants’ electricity accounts, meters, billing and collection, electricity management duties, on behalf of landlords. The solution helps building owners manage and integrate their tenant’s electricity accounts in an organised and systematic approach.

Rounding up these solutions in a convenient way is the mobile CusCare App – designed to give users a quick overview of their energy spend on a digital platform. Using this app, data is condensed into simple charts and statistics, yielding insightful information about energy consumption patterns, and leaving room for building owners and tenants to make informed business decisions on conserving energy.

“In keeping with the Building and Construction Authority’s vision to establish a future-ready built environment for Singapore, Tuas Power is committed to energy sustainability and continually strives to develop solutions and adopt technologies to aid building owners, along with their respective tenants to manage electricity consumption. Our goal is to help all involved monitor their energy usage, and provide solutions to make sustainable energy a reality,” said Mr. Michael Wong, General Manager, Tuas Power Supply.