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Solar Charging Tables

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Mobile technology is such an essential aspect of modern life, properties must support more mobile charging devices than ever before. Still, finding a comfortable area to recharge outside can be difficult. ConnecTable solar table charging stations are a unique way to address these problems.

Dotted around college campuses throughout the U.S. are students sitting at outdoor tables that include a solar panel canopy.  While doing classwork, they can access the internet, recharge their phones and computers and socialize with other students.

These are attractive, extremely durable tables, forged from structural steel with a sleek architectural look.  Placed in highly trafficked areas without access to electrical outlets, they make a bold, green statement about a campus or a corporate facility.  The tables fit well into the work and lifestyle choices of people who like to get out of the classroom or office and work outside, in natural light and good weather.

New ConnecTable installations can be found at The Savannah Technical college, Albemarle High School (the company’s first high school install) and at AT&T’s Mexico flagship store in an upscale shopping, Class A office and residential district.

Convenient Solar That Makes a Statement

The aesthetic appeal of the ConnecTable is matched by its performance. These self-ballast mounted, solar table charging stations with both USB & 120V charging capabilities are topped with commercial-grade high-power panels that provide superior solar harvest while generating sustainable energy.

Designed and manufactured for a long service life, the ConnecTable requires little to no maintenance, is highly resistant to vandalism, and is the only table on the market with 100% fabricated structural steel base construction, giving it a 90 mph wind rating.

Staying connected in public spaces

ConnecTable solar table charging stations utilize truly off-grid, solar technology to meet the increasing consumer demand for outdoor mobile device charging in public spaces. In a world that relies on constant connectivity, public areas with little-to-no access to the grid often go underutilized.

Whatever the season or weather, the high-capacity battery, charged by the solar modules, reliably performs overnight and through multiple overcast and inclement weather days, assuring that anyone, anywhere can rely on their ConnecTable to power their electronic devices in comfortable convenience.

Easy Installation in less than one day

The ConnecTable will be a statement to feature during campus tours, and will attract the attention of visitors to the school. “Going green” has never been so simple – a half day installation of ConnecTable solar charging stations can help universities get on the path to carbon neutrality.

Many existing school “green funds” provide for projects like the tables because of the sustainable benefits they offer. Businesses who donate tables to the school as a gift may be eligible for tax incentives. CarrierClass Green Infrastructure is committed to helping a campus find the most cost-effective way to decrease its carbon footprint through the installation of ConnecTable solar charging tables.

Depending on your geographical location, corporate campuses, shopping centers and other commercial buyers can use the 30% renewable energy Investment Tax Credit (ITC) for purchase of ConnecTables.

 

Piscine Global Asia 2017 Returns to Singapore

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The show will provide the crème de la crème of local and international providers.

The show will provide the crème de la crème of local and international providers.

Piscine Global Asia, a leading Asian swimming pool and wellness event, is coming back to Singapore for the third time and is set to take place on Wednesday, 5 April and Thursday, 6 April, 2017 at the Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre.

Piscine Global Asia will deliver a dedicated show with a comprehensive and qualitative offer. Exhibitors for the next edition will include construction and installation, pool equipment and accessories, maintenance, protection and security, health and wellness, outdoor equipment, equipment and accessories for around the swimming pool and also services.

Not only will the show provide the crème de la crème of local and international providers, it will also offer events such as Piscine Innovations (a specific area on the show dedicated to exhibit new products), Speed Meeting (a service for exhibitors and visitors to schedule 30 minutes appointments on the show), Pool Vision contest (the greatest pools and spas in Asia will be awarded on and an exhibition of the projects’ photos will be displayed on the show), conferences (a program of trainings on pool and spa topics presented by the exhibitors), the Pool Summit (a special event offering an opportunity to discuss trends and figures in the sector worldwide and to initiate networking between the major companies in the sector and federations/associations) and also a special day with a technical visit.

The 2015 edition saw over 120 exhibitors and brands from 18 countries.

The 2015 edition saw over 120 exhibitors and brands from 18 countries.

The 2015 edition saw over 120 exhibitors and brands from 18 countries. As the premier pool and spa event in the Southeast Asian region, the biggest names in the industry were represented, including Pentair, Australian Innovative Systems, Fluidra, Herborner, Speck Pumpen, Bombas, HornerXpress, Maytronics, Hayward, Heliocol and many more. There were also several local companies, including Advanced Marine, Water Co, Proserv and SG Hardware.

Nearly 1100 visitors from 29 countries attended, included pool construction and installation professionals, pool and spa maintenance companies, general construction companies, distributors, landscapers, architects, public authorities and many more. Visitors from Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia and Philippines comprised 14 percent of the market.

For more information, click HERE.

Philips Launches Health Continuum Space to Enable Future Healthcare Innovations

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The Space has the capability to contextualise multiple health-medical scenarios at the same time.

The Space has the capability to contextualise multiple health-medical scenarios at the same time.

Royal Philips has launched the Health Continuum Space, developed to facilitate collaboration with governments, healthcare professionals and related stakeholders to design and co-create future healthcare facilities and hospitals. The launch was graced by the Guest of Honour Mr. Chee Hong Tat, Minister of State, Ministry of Communications and Information & Ministry of Health.

Fully-equipped and built with flexibility in mind, the 1,028 square-meter Health Continuum Space housed in the Philips APAC Center in Singapore has the capability to contextualise multiple health- medical scenarios at the same time – from a hospital all the way to a patient’s home. The space, which houses various Philips healthcare solutions and equipment, enables prototyping and co- creation of new solutions that help make a meaningful difference in the future of patient care and clinical workflows.

“Philips is uniquely positioned to operate at the intersection of people, technology and healthcare systems. This position, together with our deep clinical knowledge, inspired us to create this facility with our design experts, with the integration of healthcare systems in mind. This space brings to life how healthcare technology is leveraged to enable different parts of health ecosystems to work together to deliver innovative solutions, eventually addressing complex healthcare issues such as rising medical costs, and the increasing burden of chronic diseases caused by an ageing population.” said Diederik Zeven, General Manager, Health Systems, Philips ASEAN Pacific.

Using the iterative co-create approach fundamental to Philips design, the fully-configurable facility brings together different environments and medical scenarios to help various stakeholders visualise the entire health continuum – including a home setting, ambulance, emergency room, CT room, catheterisation laboratory, ICU and even a recovery room – illustrating a patient’s experience from living healthily at home, to being diagnosed and treated for an illness.

The innovation facility illustrates today’s and tomorrow’s real-life scenarios with an objective to redefine the way healthcare professionals work collaboratively, which will in turn enhance the quality and efficiency of clinical diagnosis. It also features a futuristic Reading Room – an aspirational facility equipped with the latest technological system and interface that consolidates patient data, allowing clinicians of various specialties to review patient cases on one single platform.

“Customisation and simulation of clinical spaces is important for us healthcare professionals. The Health Continuum Space helps us make informed decisions earlier, and fosters collaboration, integration of care and communication between partners from various specialties to find plausible solutions to enhance hospital workflow efficiencies and bring to life the future of healthcare systems we are aiming to establish to enable better patient and clinical outcomes,” said Dr. Nikolas Wanahita, Medical Director, Gramercy Heart and Vascular Centre, Mount Elisabeth Novena Hospital, Singapore.

“With a focus on the health continuum and the role homes have in supporting prevention and healthy living, the Health Continuum Space also highlights personal health innovations and scenarios that can foster and support patient needs pre- or post-hospitalisation.

“To address the healthcare needs of our region, collaborations and partnerships between healthcare professionals and corporate enterprises are imperative to delivering innovative solutions across a patient’s healthcare journey. The consumer and healthcare worlds are quickly coming together, and so are our solutions. Apart from envisioning and co-creating spaces within the hospital with our partners, the Health Continuum Space goes one step further to showcase the growing need to be more aware of the home environment, where individuals can take better control of their own health and prevent themselves from falling sick,” added Mr. Srikanth Nott, General Manager, Personal Health, Philips ASEAN Pacific.

Through the simulation and contextualisation of different environments, Philips is able to demonstrate and test workflows that can be used to build future healthcare models with partners. The Health Continuum Space aims to bring to life and visualise the entire continuum of care – a core focus for Philips as the gap between the consumer and healthcare world narrows.

Schneider Electric Appoints Damien Dhellemmes as New Country President in Singapore

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Damien Dhellemmes, Country President, Singapore

Damien Dhellemmes, Country President, Singapore

Schneider Electric today announced the appointment of Damien Dhellemmes (pictured) as Country President, Singapore. In this new role, Damien will continue to elevate and drive Schneider Electric’s presence in Singapore as leading specialist in energy management and automation. He is also responsible for the alignment of corporate strategy and business orientation, as well as oversight of all commercial initiatives, operations and implementation.

“It is a great pleasure to welcome Damien Dhellemmes to the Schneider Electric team in Singapore,” said Tommy Leong, President, East Asia & Japan at Schneider Electric. “Damien has demonstrated, in the 22 years spent with us, his unique ability to drive positivechange and significant growth in the firm. I am confident that Damien is uniquely qualified to develop and deepen our operations here.”

“I am honoured to be selected to lead Schneider Electric’s next phase of growth in Singapore,” said Damien, on his new role. “Singapore is an exemplary model in energy management and automation, while the team is on great momentum in propelling the business here. There is a groundswell of opportunities in this city-state, and I look forward to working closely with colleagues and stakeholders to stay ahead of the curve.”

Prior to the role of Country President Singapore, Damien led the end-to-end Supply Chain organisation for Schneider Electric in East-Asia Japan and Pacific across 18 countries. He first joined Schneider Electric 22 years ago, and had since held various positions in the Supply Chain function of manufacturing, logistics, as well as procurement and sourcing.

JLL Introduces Virtual Reality Tool for Real Estate Design and Build

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The virtual reality tool captures 360-degree spherical images through a series of cameras at the project site.

The virtual reality tool captures 360-degree spherical images through a series of cameras at the project site.

Real estate consultant JLL has launched VR360 Services, a new technology application that allows clients to watch their real estate projects take shape from anywhere in the world.

The virtual reality tool captures 360-degree spherical images through a series of cameras at the project site. By logging into an online application, clients can explore their building projects and look around in all directions, mimicking a real life site visit. Providing transparency from the start to finish of a project, VR360 Services enables clients to track the progress of their build closely, identify any problems, and highlight potential issues that may impact the future fit-out or design.

“VR360 Services lets our clients stay on top of their projects by bridging geographical barriers and bringing them closer to their sites. They can log in from a computer, tablet or mobile device and have a virtual walk through the spaces in their own time,” explains Martin Hinge, Managing Director, Project & Development Services, Asia Pacific, JLL.

“Another advantage that VR360 Services provides is the recording of wall, floor and ceiling construction, including electrical and mechanical plumbing systems. This will transform the way clients manage their facilities in future as they can better plan refurbishments and repairs like building in additional power points or repairing blocked pipes.”

One of the early adopters of the application, a multinational technology company with significant Asia Pacific presence, has successfully implemented VR360 Services in its latest construction projects in China and Singapore, allowing stakeholders to watch their sites at every stage of development from Malaysia, India, Singapore, Vietnam and the U.S. By creating an interactive environment where clients have first-hand insights, VR360 Services acts as a substitute for conventional site photo records.

“This exciting development demonstrates how we are making a difference to our clients’ experience. Besides offering them greater connectivity to their projects, VR360 Services also provides seamless communication so we can resolve on-site issues together,” says Ian Chadsey, Solutions Development Director, Asia Pacific, JLL. “New technology is having a profound impact on the real estate industry. VR360 Services is just one example of how, as a firm, we’re applying innovative thinking to help our clients maximise efficiency and improve processes.”

Click HERE to sign up for your free VR360 tour.

E-Shang Redwood Subsidiary Acquires 80 Percent Indirect Interest in CITM

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Cambridge Industrial Trust Management Limited (CITM), as the Manager of Cambridge Industrial Trust (CIT), has been informed that nabInvest Capital Partners Pty Limited (NAB, a wholly-owned subsidiary of National Australia Bank Limited) and CREIM Limited (Oxley, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Oxley Global Limited) have entered into a binding agreement today for the sale of their aggregate 80 percent indirect interest in CITM to e-Shang Infinity Cayman Limited (Infinity), a subsidiary of e-Shang Redwood Limited (ESR). This transaction also includes Infinity acquiring a 100 percent indirect interest in Cambridge Industrial Property Management Pte. Ltd. (“CIPM”), the property manager of CIT. Completion of the Transaction is expected to take place within this week.

ESR is a leading pan-Asia logistics real estate developer, owner and operator. ESR focuses on developing modern, institutional quality logistics and industrial warehouses across major gateway markets in Asia. The company currently has 6.5 million square metres of projects in operation or under development in China, Japan and South Korea with an additional 6 million square metres in the pipeline.

As ESR seeks to actively broaden its presence across Asia, the transaction is significant as it marks ESR’s initial foray into Southeast Asia. As the majority shareholder of the Manager, ESR is committed to evaluating opportunities that will maximise value for CIT unit holders by leveraging its asset and property management expertise to improve CIT’s current property performance as well as grow the portfolio by actively assisting the Manager to source accretive acquisition opportunities in Singapore and across the region.

Mr Jeffrey Shen and Mr Stuart Gibson, co-CEOs of ESR, jointly commented: “CIT is a well- respected industrial REIT which has grown significantly since its IPO in 2006. Our investment underscores our confidence in the underlying fundamentals and quality of CIT’s portfolio of assets, which provide us a strong platform for further diversification and growth into Singapore and key markets across Asia. ESR’s interest is aligned with CIT’s management and unit holders and we look forward to seeking opportunities to add value to all its stakeholders.”

On 18 October 2016, an announcement was made by the Manager in the announcement portal of Singapore Exchange Securities Trading Limited, which disclosed that Infinity had entered into a definitive option agreement to acquire up to 10.65 percent of the outstanding CIT Units from three existing unit holders. Upon exercise and completion of the acquisition of the CIT Units pursuant to the option agreement after the completion of the Transaction, ESR will become the second largest unit holder of CIT.

 

SGK unifies USG Boral Across 12 Different Countries

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The packaging was designed from the ground up, based on the strategic idea of “smart pragmatism”.

The packaging was designed from the ground up, based on the strategic idea of “smart pragmatism”.

SGK, a division of Matthews International Corporation, and a leading global brand development, activation and deployment provider that drives brand performance, has created a global, unified packaging system for USG Boral, the joint venture between Australia’s Boral and USG Corporation.

The $1.6 billion joint venture has brought together a portfolio of leading-edge plasterboard, ceiling and finishing products. To ensure global reach and view, USG Boral engaged SGK to brand its varied processes and brands packaging into one core, consistent master brand. The common goal was to unify 14 categories across 12 markets and 13 businesses into one cohesive efficient packaging system.

Starting with a purpose-built program from insight to execution, the USG Boral and SGK teams conducted extensive audit sessions within the different markets and spoke to a diverse range of stakeholders, architects, builders, contractors, distributors, and end users. The aim was to create a unified portfolio architecture that allows for future premiumisation, whilst optimising brand recognition and product navigation.

The packaging was designed from the ground up, based on the strategic idea of “smart pragmatism”. The result is a design that enables easy navigation of product types through vivid colors and bold typography. A smart set of icons made advanced performance features visible, while the graphic system maximises visual impact for the USG Boral brand.

Adhering to the global design and color guidelines across the core and premium ranges, Anthem Worldwide, part of the brand development group of SGK, led the creative strategy through to production for over 1,300 SKUs in sequenced phases using a cloud-based, graphic management system. This ensured enough flex to respond to multiple markets, languages, cultural nuances and regulations, while bringing technical superiority to life.

SGK’s Client Solutions group engineered solutions for greater design-to-print efficiency, serialisation, anti-counterfeiting and future packaging innovation. Through three launch phases, one global packaging system was achieved in market with the strength and flexibility to build brand consistency while responding to local needs.

“Our partnership with SGK has been a fascinating journey in designing a new, cohesive packaging system for our diverse portfolio across the APAC and Middle East markets.

The system manages to convey the union of USG Boral’s premium positioning and best-in-class building products technology, manufacturing and distribution footprint. We are now becoming ONE USG Boral across 12 different markets and cultures throughout Asia, Australia and the Middle East.” – Jeremy Verstraete, Marketing Director, USG Boral. USG Boral is currently being rolled out in 12 markets including Australia, China and Korea.

2017 Trends In The Enterprise

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by Gavin Milton-White, Vice President Asia Pacific Enterprise at CommScope

With changes and uncertainty in the global landscape – Brexit, President-elect Donald Trump, country leaders resigning – 2017 could be the year of massive change as businesses loosen their purse strings and invest, or organizations reduce spending while waiting to gauge the impact of changes. Even with these two different scenarios, we see a few trends for the coming year in business enterprise network infrastructure.

Cloud Migration
Service providers, enterprises and data center owners began a migration of applications to the cloud and we see this increasing over the next year.

A recent IDC survey indicates that currently 41 percent of a company’s IT budget is allocated to cloud versus outsourcing or in-house. The survey indicates that in 24 months, that will increase to 47 percent.In Asia Pacific region excluding Japan, spending on public cloud services in particular will grow at a 22.9% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), which is almost six times the rate of overall IT spending growth – from nearly US$7 billion in 2015 more than doubling to US$15 billion in 2019.

Nonetheless, we believe there also will be a build out of private clouds for those industries that have regulatory requirements or their legacy networks do not allow them to go to a full public cloud at this time.

Capital Decisions
The lease versus buy and capital expenditure versus operating expenditure debate is ongoing with businesses. Throughout the next year, we see service providers and enterprises looking at options to building their own networks as they explore co-location (or multi-tenant) options for data centres and leasing office buildings.

By 2018, IDC predicts that 45 percent of the ICT spending in enterprises will be on a mix of co-location, hosted and public cloud datacentres in order to react to changing data use patterns in Asia Pacific; this has been a consistent and ongoing trend for the past couple of years but we see the gap closing in 2017 as enterprises shift from ‘build you own’ to multi-tenant data centres.

Security
It is part of every business and IT discussion these days and it will only become more intense in 2017. We see an increase in the demand for video for surveillance, both for government and private businesses. This issue includes physical security—securing the building, people and assets—as well as network and data security.

Network Convergence
The trends of capital investments and security are also impacting another area that we see as big trend in 2017—network convergence. Take buildings, for example. What was traditionally just hardwired for data and voice is now being retrofitted or designed new with wireless in mind. Building owners and operators are looking at the co-existence of wireless and wireline for the coming year but will consider the new radio spectrum, both licensed and unlicensed, that is coming available as well as new technologies that enable the universal ceiling.

As this convergence happens, we see a greater focus in 2017 on consolidation and partnerships (creating an ecosystem) to address these needs.

Crestron Expands Into India, North East Asia and China

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The RMZ Ecoworld office in Bangalore, India. Image courtesy of Crestron.

The RMZ Ecoworld office in Bangalore, India. Image courtesy of Crestron.

Crestron, a global leader in advanced control and automation systems, recently announced significant investment in Asia Pacific, including a new physical brand presence in India, North East Asia and China.

The official expansion into these markets allows the company to further enhance its service and support to customers in the region. The expanded presence and business strategy is being overseen by Stuart Craig, CEO, Asia Pacific, Crestron, who is based out of the Crestron APAC Head Office in Sydney, Australia.

Each of the three new facilities includes a fully functional Crestron Experience Centre (CEC), with state-of-the-art training facilities and various active workspaces. Guests can experience the latest Crestron solutions first-hand, which allows people to control entire environments with the push of a button, integrating systems such as A/V, lighting, shading, IT, security, unified communications, BMS, and HVAC to provide greater comfort, convenience, and security. These facilities allow the local Crestron team to provide hands-on, comprehensive training and education on the latest solution offerings to partners and customers.

The new, wholly owned Crestron subsidiary in India includes a headquarters at RMZ Ecoworld, Bangalore, and supporting regional offices. In Hong Kong, a new facility in Quarry Bay is supported by a dedicated presence in all key North East Asia markets including Korea, Macau and Taiwan. The Hong Kong headquarters will be expanded by mid year to offer a full Crestron Experience Centre, yet the facility is currently fully operational and the new training facility will open in early April.

Further, in exclusive partnership with Shanghai Golden Bridge, Crestron China brings a tailored local presence to the region, establishing facilities in Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Jinan, Chengdu, Hefei, Kunming and Guiyang. The Crestron China HQ with CEC is being built in Shanghai and is scheduled to be open in May.

The view from the NEA Hong Kong Head Office. Image courtesy of Crestron.

The view from the NEA Hong Kong Head Office. Image courtesy of Crestron.

Stuart Craig, CEO, Asia Pacific, Crestron, said: “Asia Pacific is an increasingly important market for Crestron and we are investing to support our customers, ensuring opportunities for all. Crestron is committed to providing our partners in the region with the highest level of customer experience and the tools and technologies to help our partners grow their business. Our goal is to provide the full range of our market leading technologies locally and to ensure our customer service leads the industry.”

“In all regions we are open for business today and over the coming weeks customers will see all of our facilities expand even further. As we approach the upcoming Integrated Systems Europe, which will see many new generation solutions released, our APAC customers can feel very assured and confident in the investments Crestron is making across the board,” said Craig.

The new direct footprint will allow Crestron to help grow the business of its local partners and resellers, allowing more clients in the Asia Pacific region to optimise their biggest investments spanning people, spaces and technology.

Leading Asian Swimming Pool and Wellness Event Returns To Singapore

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The 2015 edition saw over 120 exhibitors and brands from 18 countries.

The 2015 edition saw over 120 exhibitors and brands from 18 countries.

In 2017, Piscine Global Asia will take place on April 5-6, 2017 at the Marina Bay Sands Expo & Convention Centre. Piscine Global Asia will provide the Asian pool and spa market a dedicated show with a comprehensive and qualitative offer.

Exhibitors for the next edition will include construction and installation, pool equipment and accessories, maintenance, protection and security, health and wellness, outdoor equipment, equipment and accessories for around the swimming pool and also other services.

This edition will also offer events such as Piscine Innovations – a specific area on the show dedicated to exhibit new products, Speed Meeting – a service for exhibitors and visitors to schedule 30-minute appointments at the show), Pool Vision contest – the greatest pools and spas in Asia will be awarded on and an exhibition of the projects’ photos will be displayed on the show), conferences, the Pool Summit and also a special day with a technical visit.

Click HERE to find out more.