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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.

Retractable security gates

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S07-2 side-by-side retractable security gate

The Australian Trellis Door Company (ATDC) has recently completed a prestigious installation for DFS Group’s  new duty free store  at Tan Son Nhat International Airport, Ho Chi Minh City,Vietnam.

Working closely with leading international luxury retailer DFS GROUP and specifying architect PMDL out of Hong Kong,ATDC supplied its cutting edge retractable security gates to secure the luxury store’s valuable merchandise.

ATDC also collaborated on this project with Structural Engineer, Structon Group and fitout specialist, Fixx Systems (both companies based in  Vietnam) to produce a finished product that surpassed the customer’s expectations.

S08 curved retractable security gate

S08 curved retractable security gate

PMDL’s Hong Kong office approached ATDC primarily because ATDC possesses  the most space efficient retail closure in the market today, namely its S07-2 side-by-side retractable security gate which operates on a tandem top tracking system. The very wide and curved shopfront opening (nearly 45 metres) required a space efficient solution which complemented the customer’s high profile luxury image. ATDC provided its S08 curved retractable security gate in a dual  S07-2  top track configuration and thereby achieved a minimal storage requirement for the doors during trading hours.

Numerous kiosk locations within the store itself also required security however provided a challenge since these particular locations have  extremely high ceilings and no top structural bulkheads-in these locations ATDC supplied its S04-1 trackless, mobile, retractable security gates which  provide DFS Group  with the required lock up of their valuable merchandise. Numerous barriers were installed in rectangular configurations to adequately secure the particular angled shapes of the kiosks. Other configurations are possible including securing circular or curved apertures.

ATDC supplies its quality retractable security gates to Hong Kong, Singapore and throughout SouthEast Asia as well as the Asia Pacific region and the UAE as well as throughout Australia.

ATDC is currently working on a prestigious project at Singapore’s Changi International Airport where ATDC’s retractable security gates are being installed at eight (8) high profile retail tenancies. The standard powder coated finishes for these gates are either in black satin or pearl white. However, a special precious silver pearl finish is being applied to the gates at the Singapore Changi International Airport project.

ATDC’s retractable security gates are suitable for commercial, industrial and residential applications. These doors are security rated under Australian Standards with multi-point locking mechanisms, full frames and are constructed from heavy duty steel or extruded aluminium for extra rigidity and strength. The retractable gates require no headroom and can span unlimited widths without the need for any removable mullions, making them very easy to operate. The gates are extremely low maintenance requiring only the regular application of a silicone spray to keep the top track and moving components well-lubricated.

For more information visit www.trellisdoors.com.au .

 

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.

Perfect Platform for Sourcing Building Materials, Hardware and Sanitary ware

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495x400 (1)World of Building and Hardware will debut at the HKTDC Hong Kong Houseware Fair 2017, providing an ideal platform for buyers to connect with suppliers of building materials, hardware & DIY tools and sanitary ware. The fair also provides golden opportunities for professionals like architects, engineers, traders and contractors to exchange market information on industry and product trends.

With over 28,000 buyers coming from 114 countries and regions in 2016, the renowned Hong Kong Houseware Fair is Asia’s largest event of its kind. Coming to its 32nd edition, it is expected to welcome over 2,100 quality exhibitors, presenting a comprehensive selection of products for your home, revealing trendy, chic ideas fresh in the market.

World of Building and Hardware Exhibit Categories include:

  • Building Materials
  • Hardware & DIY Tools
  • Sanitary Ware

There will be seminars, networking events and product demo and launch pad. Held alongside the HKTDC Hong Kong International Home Textiles and Furnishings Fair, visitors are able to source of a wider range of quality products. For corporate professionals, you may want to consider to extend your stay in Hong Kong for the world’s leading HKTDC Hong Kong Gifts and Premium Fair, happening from 27 to 30 April 2017.

Fair Details at a Glance:

Hong Kong Houseware Fair

Date:     20-23 April, 2017

Venue:                 Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre

Pre-register now for FREE admission and save HK$100:

For trade buyers, register now for your free admission badge through one of the following channels:

Website:              www.hktdc.com/worldofbuildinghardware

Wap site:             hktdc.com/wap/houseware/T019

App:                      HKTDC Mobile / HKTDC Maketplace

 

Exclusive offer:

Travel incentives to new buyers, contact (65) 6538 7376 or email singapore.office@hktdc.org to learn more!

  1. Hotel sponsorship of up to 3 nights, OR
  2. Air ticket + 3-night hotel travel package

Rugged Fluke Laser Levels Deliver Simplicity and Accuracy to Perform Layout Tasks Fast

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Screen Shot 2016-12-11 at 9.11.31 pmFluke laser distance meters are fast and easy to use, improving accuracy and reducing measurement error. The simple one-button operation utilises advanced laser technology to instantly measure distance between two objects. As such, Fluke laser distance meters are well received in the market, attracting users from construction and electrical industries.

However, Fluke does not stop here. Fluke introduces Fluke® Laser Levels, a new range of professional-grade, precision tools that are designed to survive a one-metre drop and keep working. The Laser Levels feature a fast settling, self-levelling gimbal that quickly delivers accurate reference points, expediting electrical and HVAC layouts.

Fluke Laser Levels come in three-point laser levels for fast accurate layout of reference points, horizontal and vertical cross line laser level for rapid accurate levelling, and layout as well as laser line detectors with visual and audible indicators for ease of use in high ambient light settings.

The three-point laser levels are accurate to 6 mm at 30 metres (1/4 inch at 100 feet) and the line laser levels are accurate to 3 mm at 10 metres (1/8 inch at 30 feet). For long-range applications, green lasers, which provide up to three times brightness for improved visibility, are also available (Fluke-3PG and Fluke-180LG).

The Fluke Laser Levels are also built with a rugged case design to withstand rough handling on the job site. With such ruggedness and accuracy in Fluke Laser levels, long and tedious layouts will become a thing of the past. For more information, please click HERE.

New Technology Venture Launched to Facilitate Green Building Projects

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Arc allows any project to measure improvements and benchmark against itself and projects around it.

Arc allows any project to measure improvements and benchmark against itself and projects around it.

A new technology company, Arc Skoru Inc., was officially launched today by Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI). This new venture will be the official host for Arc, a state-of-the-art digital platform available at arcskoru.com.

Arc allows any project – whether a single building, a community or an entire city – to measure improvements and benchmark against itself and projects around it. Scot Horst, who has overseen and led the development of LEED since 2005, has been appointed as the CEO of Arc.

“GBCI developed Arc as a way to provide new and more transparent ways to share information,” said Mahesh Ramanujam, president and CEO, U.S. Green Building Council and GBCI. “Scot Horst brings many years of leadership and expertise to Arc, and we celebrate him in his new role as the CEO. For the past 11 years, Scot has led the evolution of LEED through LEED 2009 and LEED v4. He was also the chief inventor of the LEED Dynamic Plaque, a system designed to tie ongoing building performance to initial certification.”

The goal of Arc is to support the missions of USGBC and GBCI. LEED-certified buildings can use Arc to improve and benchmark against other certified buildings around them. Existing buildings that have not certified can use Arc to make incremental sustainability improvements to eventually achieve LEED certification.

“Arc allows buildings, communities and cities to compare their performance against their peers and also connect to vetted green building strategies,” said Scot Horst, CEO, Arc. “Over the last two decades LEED certification has become a symbol of leadership, signifying that a project is saving energy, resources and water, and is healthier for occupants and the community. A LEED building has become the mark of a high quality building. Now through the Arc platform, all buildings can improve and work toward LEED certification.”

Today more than ever before, the green building movement relies on technology and data, and the future of green buildings is focused on performance. Arc represents a new era for green building; the platform takes LEED to the next level through the shared use of technology, feedback and recognition of excellence.

About the Arc platform:

  • Arc is a simple digital platform for all projects pursuing LEED certification and will eventually include other green building rating systems, standards protocols and guidelines.
  • Arc is inclusive of all projects, even those not pursuing certification, so that all buildings can measure performance and make incremental improvements.
  • Arc facilitates connections to people and projects globally. It encourages innovation, enabling informed decisions on building design, operations and maintenance.

Features of the current Arc platform include:

  • Existing buildings can use Arc to earn LEED Operations + Maintenance certification and precertification using the O+M performance path.
  • Projects that are currently pursuing and planning to register for the LEED for Existing Buildings standard path can also use Arc for performance data reporting.
  • Cities, communities and districts can use Arc to start tracking data and earn LEED pre-certification.
  • All registered and previously certified LEED projects have access to Arc to keep their LEED certification up to date. Project leads can also use Arc for performance data tracking and reporting as per the initial requirements in LEED for data sharing. Projects previously using the LEED Dynamic Plaque will be included in Arc.

The O+M performance path was approved by the LEED Steering Committee in January 2016 and the LEED for Cities Pilot was approved by the LEED steering committee in October 2016. LEED for Cities will be submitted for USGBC member approval following input from pilot users.

Over time, Arc will continue to add rating systems into the platform. The platform provides an entry point for all buildings with the goal of eventually certifying them to LEED or to other GBCI rating systems such as GRESB, WELL, PEER, SITES, Parksmart, etc. As GBCI adds new rating systems, the introduction of Arc makes the certification process as streamlined as possible for the end user. Projects pursuing certification under more than one rating system will realize efficiencies in places where the rating systems share the same or similar requirements.

Johnson Controls Releases Metasys® 8.0

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Metasys® 8.0 comes with additional IT features to increase productivity, reduce energy costs and enhance security.

Metasys® 8.0 comes with additional IT features to increase productivity, reduce energy costs and enhance security.

Johnson Controls recently introduced Metasys® 8.0 with new system configurations, programming capabilities, and additional Information Technology (IT) features to increase productivity, reduce energy costs and enhance security. This is one of the first building automation systems (BAS) in the industry to be optimised for any mobile device.

This latest advancement in BAS improves ease of use, speeds up troubleshooting, shortens time on task, reduces risk, and supports easier integrations. Metasys 8.0 key enhancements include:

  • Intuitive graphics optimised for multiple mobile devices
  • Alarm management enabling alarm prioritisation (the features roll up to the tasks)
  • Improved scheduling and customised trend viewing
  • New reporting features making it easier to access trends, alarms, audits and scheduling data
  • Space authorisation, which allows users to access the system and see only the data they need
  • Added IT security with secure password management and dormant user account reporting

“The improvements are the result of over 1,000 hours of observational research with building owners and operators. Facility operators can now identify and correct problems more quickly with this new intuitive interface, as information is displayed according to the way they work. Now, the potential problem areas view provides a single interactive report to see all alarms, system overrides and offlines as well as other critical equipment information in chronological order,” said Derrick Kho, director of product and channels for controls, Building Efficiency Asia, Johnson Controls.

Metasys 8.0 builds on Metasys’ ability to maximise building owners’ investments through flexibility and scalability. The system preserves and enhances previous investments in building infrastructure, and its technology and is scalable for facilities of any size and complexity. It enables integration to a wide variety of mechanical and electrical systems, and allows for a progressive replacement of existing field controllers that are becoming obsolete.

Click HERE to learn more or click HERE to take a tour of Metasys 8.0.

Education Plays a Big Role in Konstruksi Indonesia

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The construction sector is forecast to grow by 8.1 percent in 2017.

The construction sector is forecast to grow by 8.1 percent in 2017.

The Indonesian government’s focus on accelerating infrastructure development in all parts of Indonesia, as declared by President Joko Widodo, has pushed growth of the construction sector.

According to the National Development Planning Agency (Bappenas), as government and private sector infrastructure projects escalate, the construction sector is forecast to grow by 8.1 percent in 2017. This condition is expected to boost investment that will drive growth in related industries, create jobs and absorb labour.

One of the major impacts of the construction sector growth is the increasing demand for construction service companies and its workers. The Director General of Construction Development at the Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing (PWPH), Yusid Toyib stated, “Indonesia is facing a significant challenge in developing the construction service businesses and providing skilled construction workers. Especially after the establishment of the ASEAN Economic Community, the local construction service companies and their workers should be able to compete at providing high-quality work, both in Indonesia and abroad.”

Data from the Central Bureau of Statistics shows that, in the first quarter of 2015, the construction sector absorbed only 7.72 million people compared to the industrial sector (16.38 million people), trade (26.65 million people) or the agricultural sector (40.12 million people). The low absorption of people by the construction sector was caused by the unavailability of competent workers. Furthermore, first quarter 2016 data from the National Construction Service and Development Board (LPJKN) indicated that the number of certified construction workers was only 500,566 people.

“The improvement of companies’ managerial capacity and workers’ skills in the construction sector is our particular concern. We have been working together with various professional associations and institutions related to the construction sector to improve the managerial competency and technical expertise of construction workers. In addition to that, we also encourage them to keep participating in skills training and certification programme in order to be able to compete with workers from other countries,” explained Yusid.

Yusid also mentioned that the Ministry of PWPH continues to promote Regulation No. 45/PRT/M/2015 on Continuing Professional Development (CPD) that calls for all construction workers to develop their expertise and professional attitude on national and international scale. This regulation was issued to anticipate the implementation of the ASEAN Economic Community this year.

As the host of Konstruksi Indonesia in 2016, which this year will be co-located with The Big 5 Construct Indonesia 2016, the Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing expects companies from the construction industry to leverage these two events to get valuable insights on new equipment and best practices in the construction sector. Hundreds of local and international exhibitors will bring to Indonesia the most innovative and never-seen-before products for the built environment at The Big 5 Construct Indonesia 2016. Organised by dmg events Middle East, Asia & Africa, the event also provides an extensive educational programme. Construction professionals will be able to attend for free, dozens of CPD Workshops delivered by industry experts, including topics such as Project Management, BIM, LEED and a day of workshops dedicated to sustainable topics on 11 November.

“The Big 5 Construct Indonesia 2016 is tailored specifically to meet the needs of the local construction sector. Not only we will bring the best and latest products for the built environment from global manufacturers: the event will host a series of free-to-attend, practical workshops providing industry trends, tools, applications and techniques for the construction and infrastructure sectors in Indonesia,” said Ashley Roberts, Event Director, dmg events.

Konstruksi Indonesia and The Big 5 Construct Indonesia 2016will be held in conjunction with Indonesia Infrastructure Week 2016 from 9 November to11 November at the Jakarta Convention Centre. The exhibition will present around600exhibitors from more than20 countries, as well as bring together stakeholders from central and local governments and the private sector.

Further information about participating and visiting this event can be obtained through www.indonesiainfrastructureweek.com. You can also register yourself as visitor throughhttps://registration.n200.com/survey/39r5vmqwo41a2.

Sources:
1) http://www.bappenas.go.id/id/berita-dan-siaran-pers/siaran-persmencapai-pertumbuhan-ekonomi-53-serta-pengurangan-tpt-53-56-dan-tingkat-kemiskinan-95-105-pada-2017/

2) http://br-online.co/tenaga-kerja-konstruksi-dan-pembangunan-infrastruktur-di-indonesia/

3) Lembaga Pengembangan Jakas Konstruksi Nasional: Potret Tenaga Kerja Konstruksi Indonesia 2016

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.

Schneider Electric Launches “Light It Up” to Bring Electricity to Rural Communities in Asia

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Schneider Electric employees will distribute more than 1,800 units of the Mobiya solar lamps to rural communities in 12 countries across the region.

Schneider Electric employees will distribute more than 1,800 units of the Mobiya solar lamps in 12 countries across the region.

Schneider Electric, one of the world’s specialists in energy management and automation, recently announced the launch of “Light It Up”, its programme to bring access to electricity to rural communities across the Asia Pacific region. Schneider Electric believes that access to energy is a basic human right, and it is committed to put safe, reliable, efficient and sustainable energy within reach of a great many households, ensuring Life Is On for everyone, everywhere, and at every moment.

From mid-September to early November this year, Schneider Electric employees will distribute more than 1,800 units of the Mobiya solar lamps to rural communities in 12 countries across the region.

Economic and social development is largely driven by access to energy. However, around 1.3 billion people on this planet still lack access to modern energy today , while another one billion people have access to only unreliable electricity networks. A significant proportion of the world’s energy poor are living in Asia. In countries like Myanmar and Cambodia, the rural electrification rate can be as low as 18 percent.

Safe and Clean Access to Energy
Schneider Electric’s commitment to promote sustainable development and provide safe and clean access to energy is in its DNA. In the past six years, Schneider Electric has contributed to providing 5 million people with access to energy The goal is to reach 50 million people within the next 10 years.

With “Light It Up”, a corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme, Schneider Electric employees, as well as sponsors from Schneider Electric’s partners and customers from 17 countries in Asia Pacific have bought and sponsored a total of over 1,800 Mobiya solar lamps.

These lamps will be distributed to rural communities across 12 countries: Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Pakistan, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam, connecting a total of over 1,300 families to electricity and lighting, and helping to improve living conditions for these communities.