APAC December 2017

A nsiderac

December 2017

Environmentally Friendly Technology Latent Stella Technology Limited invests more than 20% of its annual turnover in research and development areas. We spoke to CEO Dr. Hin Yu, Mark Mak and Managing Director, Mr Anjiang, Ken Lin to discuss the services of the company and talk about its Environmental Merit Award.

Also inside...

Inclusive and Incisive Basketball Victoria Success is in the Air Air Aroma International Aiming to be the Provider of Choice TRILITY High Scientific and Natural Beauty Alissi Bronte Plants for the Future Generations SWA Water Australia It Does What it Says on the Can Chemical Developments Pty Ltd Recognised Leaders in Digital Payment Technology 2017 Mastercard The More Things Change, the More They Stay the Same Arafura Resources Limited The Ultimate Compliance Safety Net Software for Your Peace of Mind Global Tenements Pty Ltd

Editor’s Note

, Welcome to the last edition of APAC Insider Magazine for 2017, your source for the latest news and updates from across the Asia Pacific region.

In recent news, the leading global provider of connectivity products and services for aviation, Gogo announced on the 6th December the appointment of Alexis Girin as vice president of Asia Pacific (APAC) Sales.

Arafura Resources is a rare earths development company that is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange. Recently, we sat down Managing Director, Gavin Lockyer who revealed to us more about the successful company Success is in the air as we sit down with Maggie Kyle from Air Aroma, the leading scent marketing agency, dedicated to designing custom fragrances for luxury brands around the world. Maggie took time to talk us through the secrets behind the firm’s success so far.

Elsewhere in this issue, we caught up with Tracy Browning from Global Tenements, providers of worldwide tenements security software for mining companies wanting to protect their biggest assets, their mining tenements. Tracy sat down with us as we looked to explore the company’s remarkable success.

Lastly, Basketball Victoria is the peak body for basketball in Victoria, Australia. Giving us an insight in to the services that the organisation offers is General Manager of Inclusion and Strategy, Karen Pearce.

Here at APAC Insider, we sincerely hope you enjoy reading this informative edition, and look forward to seeing you in the New Year.

Jessica Daykin, Editor Phone: +44 (0) 203 725 6842 Email: jessica.daykin@ai-globalmedia.com Website: www.apacinsider.com

AI Global Media, Ltd. (AI) takes reasonable measures to ensure the quality of the information on this web site. However, AI will not assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, correctness or completeness of any information that is available through this web site. If errors are brought to our attention, we will try to correct them.

The information available through the website and our partner publications is for your general information and use and is not intended to address any particular finance or investment requirements. In particular, the information does not constitute any form of advice or recommendation by us or any of our partner publications and is not intended to be relied upon by users in making or refraining from making any investment or financial decisions.

Appropriate independent advice should be obtained before making any such decision. Any arrangement made between you and any third party named in the site is at your sole risk and responsibility.

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Contents

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4. News 6.

Environmentally Friendly Technology Latent Stella Technology Company Limited

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Recognised Leaders in Digital Payment Technology 2017 Mastercard*

10. The More Things Change, the More They Stay the Same Arafura Resources Limited 14. Property Success at Its Prime Prime Estate 18. Inclusive and Incisive Basketball Victoria 22. Success is in the Air Air Aroma International 24. Aiming to be the Provider of Choice TRILITY 28. It Does What it Says on the Can Chemical Developments Pty Ltd 30. The Ultimate Compliance Safety Net Software for Your Peace of Mind Global Tenements Pty Ltd 34. High Scientific and Natural Beauty Alissi Bronte 36. Helping the Generation of Rising Stars United Overseas Bank Limited 38. Plants for the Future Generations SWA Water Australia

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NEWS

, Developing Intelligent Finance Technology to Empower Investment Advisory and Wealth Management Services Leading web-based financial services company, China Finance Online Co. Limited has recently announced its ceremonial signing of a strategic cooperation agreement with the leading brokerage firm in China, CITIC Securities.

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NEWS

, On the 7th December, China Finance Online Co. Limited, a leading web-based financial services company that provides Chinese retail investors with online access to securities trading services, wealth management products, investment advisory services, as well as financial database and analytics services to institutional customers, announced its ceremonial signing of a strategic cooperation agreement with the leading brokerage firm in China, CITIC Securities.

At the signing ceremony, China Finance Online and CITIC Securities announced that both parties will be committed to a long-term and comprehensive strategic cooperation on investment advisory and wealth management services by applying more intelligent finance technologies.

Mr. Zhiwei Zhao, CEO and Chairman of China Finance Online commented, “In this day and age of the convergence of technology and finance, the competing area among Chinese brokerage firms is gradually moving from commission to the depth of services. The companies create more value for users get to retain customers and attract new customers through word-ofmouth. We have witnessed that science and technology enable a significant improvement of services which produce the ultimate benefits for customers. As an undisputed industry leader, CITIC securities foresaw this trend and made this strategic plan to empower its investment advisers with financial technology to improve services in the midst of broadening its brokerage business to the wealth management business.”

Under the agreement, both parties will cooperate in the area of invest-

ment advisory services, and China Finance Online will provide CITIC Securities’ investment advisors with our proprietary cloud-based software products. Both parties will cooperate to carry out intelligent asset allocation research to enhance their wealth management capabilities.

Using the philosophy that “science and technology to promote service, service to promote efficiency”, CITIC Securities as the industry leader has made Fintech a core priority to enhance its investment advisory services, and to promote the transition of the brokerage business to the wealth management business.

Mr. Xinli Yu, managing director and the executive director of the market research department of CITIC Securities, commented, “Limited by scale, efficiency and cost, the traditional brokerage and investment advisory services cannot meet the huge and rapid growth of the wealth management needs of more than 100 million Chinese retail investors, who have not access to professional investment advisory services. The combination of financial service with artificial intelligence, big data, cloud computing and other technologies, will greatly enhance the investment advisers’ research capacity and service efficiency. We look forward to working with China Finance Online to extend our market leadership.”

CITIC Securities Limited, a comprehensive securities company approved by the China Securities and Regulatory Commission (CSRC), has a wide range of financial products, services, corresponding core financial support system. CITIC Securities is committed to providing customers with convenient, fast and safe financial services. CITIC’s total assets and operating income are ranked No. 1 in China.

Alexis Girin Joins Gogo as Vice President of Asia Pacific Sales Leading global provider of connectivity products and services for aviation, Gogo recently announced the appointment of Alexis Girin as vice president of Asia Pacific (APAC) Sales.

On the 6th December 2017, the leading global provider of connectivity products and services for aviation, Gogo recently announced the appointment of Alexis Girin as vice president of Asia Pacific (APAC) Sales.

Girin has 15 years of international experience in airline IT business development, sales and account management, most recently as the Amadeus Account Director for Singapore Airline Group developing a long term IT partnership designed to increase airline revenues, which included a next generation revenue management system, personalization and a merchandising platform.

At Amadeus, he worked across several regions including Europe, the Middle East and Asia Pacific.

Before relocating to Asia Pacific in 2011, Alexis spent seven years based in Nice, France where he led an airline IT sales strategy that included digital platforms such as e-commerce, mobile and passenger service systems.

“Moving to Gogo was a strategic decision to help shape the future of inflight connectivity in APAC and transform the airline passenger digital experience. I am extremely excited by the opportunity to create a new inflight touch point that allows airlines to deploy their merchandising and personaliza-

tion strategies using Gogo’s high speed 2Ku connectivity, open API platform and open network,” says Alexis Girin. “Airlines have been dreaming about getting closer to their passengers inflight. By connecting the aircraft, airlines will have a unique opportunity to serve their guests, and their crew and to learn more about them and to increase ancillary sales by distributing relevant digital content and offering unique experiences that will turn these guests into airline brand advocates in the future.”

Girin will lead sales efforts in the APAC region from Singapore and will report to Gogo’s SVP of International Sales, Niels Steenstrup.

“Gogo is committed to serving our airline partners in APAC and growing our business in this region by selling 2Ku, which is the leading global connectivity solution designed the meet the needs of aviation,” said Niels Steenstrup. “Alexis is a passionate and influential business leader with a proven track record of success and is the perfect fit to lead our sales efforts in Asia Pacific.”

Gogo currently provides highspeed inflight connectivity services to Cathay Pacific, Cathay Dragon, Delta Air Lines, Japan Airlines, Japan Transoceanic Air and Virgin Australia in the Asia Pacific region.

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Environmentally Friendly Technology Latent Stella Technology Limited invests more than 20% of its annual turnover in research and development areas. We spoke to CEO Dr. Hin Yu, Mark Mak and Managing Director, Mr Anjiang, Ken Lin to discuss the services of the company and talk about its Environmental Merit Award.

One of the greatest implementation of Latent Stella is a solar thermal hot water and cold air return heat exchange farming system that is successfully demonstrated in the Jiangmen, China. The system composite of green power, efficient solar energy system and air source heat pump as the energy source of heating and air-cooling. By achieving the sun - air - water green ecological environment, the entire system can reduce the power consumption up to 70%.

In winter, the composition system supplies hot water and while solar energy bears little heating load. The heat will be transferred in the coil pipe throughout the farming area. Mark tells us more about the company and the work they do, along as describing what types of clients they work with.

“In summer, air-source heat pump is water-cooled airconditioning system used as cooling system, which can maintain the indoor temperature within our desire range. In line with our mission of providing its customers with environmentally friendly energy solutions, we are also researching how to improve the efficiency of our products and thereby lower their electrical power demands. We design our products to be long lasting and easy to maintain, leading to a long product lifecycle. In addition to durability, features such as

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recyclability and the outward appearance of our products have become increasingly important focus areas for testing. Therefore, we work in close cooperation with industrial designers when designing any new products.

“As consumers become more concerned about the environment and sustainability, being environmentally friendly is a good way to keep a company in the black, as to say.

Companies who are interested in environmental friendly products or systems come to us, we offer tailor made system, rational system and home appliances.”

Being a successful business, it is important that all staff must work towards achieving the same mission. Mark discusses what key principles the company and its staff must adhere to, outlining the business strategy which contributes to their success.

“Green energy, sun - air - water green ecological system.

Green energy is any energy that reduces the impact on the environment by decreasing waste or reducing the use of fossil fuels.

Wind turbines, electric cars and solar energy are examples. Our business partner frequently can save money by instituting green policies, and some green energy remodelling projects can make their business eligible for a tax deduction. We are focusing to the countries that can get subsidies

in green energy project so that customers are more willing and tempted to get involved.”

Within the Asia Pacific region, Mark outlines the key attributes he believes the team possesses which have made it successful, before going on to tell us what challenges Latent Stella has overcome in order to reach the heights of success that the company has.

“Latent Stella are a research and development company and we are investing more than 20% of our annual turnover in research and development area. More than 90% of our products are patent oriented. That’s provide us a uniqueness among other suppliers.

“To be a successful company, I believe that reliability is the most important element. Reliability is doing what you said you would do when you said you were going to do it. The second most important element to me is competence. We are a research and development company and we are investing more than 20% of our annual turnover in research and development area. More than 90% of our products are patent oriented. The challenges are how to make us reliable and maintain a core competence.”

Part of the company’s success can be attributed to the firm’s approach when undertaking

a new client or project. Mark gives us more details about staff’s process with a new client, highlighting the notion that a whole team is assigned to each new client, meaning every question will be answered and their expectations met, and usually surpassed.

“One of the most critical parts of our on boarding process is assessing our new clients existing campaigns.

Understanding what they do and don’t have in place should be used to develop a scope of work.

We assign teams of five to every new client. The team consists of a marketing officer, a coordinator, an engineer analyst, a designer, and a project Manager. The better our team can relate to our client’s team, the smoother the on boarding process will go. But the most important assignee from an on boarding perspective is the strategist. As the chief point of contact, it is important that the strategist has some commonalities with the client, if possible. I try to assign the team with the most relevant industry experience and cultural fit first, everything else second. If I am confident that they will hit it off on a personal note, I am confident that the on boarding process will go smoothly.”

Ultimately, Mark predicts what the future holds for Latent Stella, commenting on some upcoming projects which he wants to tell us

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Environmentally Friendly Technology

about and what the firm aims to gain from this project. Building on its ongoing success, Latent Stella and its team are well placed to become a leader in the industry. “Moving forward, we are working on the solar automatic farm in New York area. As the weather is so cold in wintertime there in New York, summer vegetables are hard to be planted. We aim to make use of our system to provide them an alternative solution so those summers vegetables can be grow in wintertime to obtain a high economic efficiency.�

Company: Latent Stella Technology Company Limited Title1: Chief Executive Officer Name1: Dr. Hin Yu, Mark Mak Email1: mark@latentstella.com Title2: Managing Director Name2: Mr. Anjiang, Ken Lin Email2: ken@latentstella.com Web Address: www.latentstella.com

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Recognised Leaders in Digital Payment Technology 2017 Grace Chan is responsible for Core Product in China and previously Market Development in the Greater China region (including China, Hong Kong and Taiwan) where she drives physical and digital (mobile/Ecommerce) payments and services through Mastercard branded Credit, Debit and Commercial value proposition. We profiled the firm and Grace herself as we look to find out about what makers her one of the Recognised Leaders in Digital Payment Technology 2017.

As a technology company in the global payments business, Mastercard operate the world’s fastest payments processing network, connecting consumers, financial institutions, merchants, governments and businesses in more than 210 countries and territories. The company’s products and solutions make everyday commerce activities, including shopping, traveling, running a business and managing finances, which make it far easier, more secure and more efficient for everyone.

Mastercard is well versed in putting technology first, and for nearly 50 years the company has been using its technology and expertise to make payments safer, simpler and smarter. The organisation aims to enable global commerce, and even though it does not issue cards, it is constantly making payments happen around the clock. The firm is committed to giving back, as it believes in its ethos that it pays to give back. Through

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its philanthropy and payment innovations, the company is committed to making a positive impact in communities around the world.

Specialising in many different areas, Grace is able to deal with a wealth of clients in her role as Head of Product at Mastercard.

Experienced in managing credit card portfolios, both general purpose and co-branded programs with global retailers, Grace is vital to the success of the company. Alongside her experience and knowledge, Grace is a versatile employee of the firm, with a specialist focus in New Market Development, Customer Management and Marketing, Project Management, Competitive Analysis, Business Development, Cards Acquisition and Portfolio Management.

Since 2016, Grace has been Senior Vice President, China Consumer Products Lead, Product Management. Having been with MasterCard for over five years, Grace has taken to her new role, and she is continuing the

development, commercialization and management of payment solutions that create sustainable competitive advantage for MasterCard and its customers in China. She joined the company from HSBC where, for over a decade, she held a range of functional roles across business development, portfolio management, product development and retail bank branch management in the retail and private banking businesses.

Ultimately, being a versatile and experienced employee, holding a wealth of knowledge and expertise, Grace fully deserves her award. Being an innovative person, Grace fits in well at the company, with both sides possessing the ambition and drive to maintain its position as one of the leaders in the industry, aiming to be the leader.

Benefitting not only clients which it puts a lot of emphasis on, both Grace and Mastercard are continuing to work hard in order to continue to have a positive impact on the communities as well as the people.

g Recognised Leaders in Digital Payment Technology 2017

Company: Mastercard Contact: Grace Chan Contact Email: Grace.Chan@mastercard.com Address: Global Product & Solutions, Room 2907-14, Tower 2, Shanghai IFC, Pudong Shanghai, 200120, China Phone: 0086 2161051908 Website: www.mastercard.com

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The More Things Change, the More They Stay the Same Arafura Resources is a rare earths development company that is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX: ARU). Recently, we sat down Managing Director, Gavin Lockyer who revealed to us more about the successful company.

Arafura Resources is a rare earths development company that is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX: ARU). The company’s focus is on developing its Nolans Neodymium-Praseodymium (NdPr) rare earths mining and mineral processing project in the Australia’s Northern Territory.

Its headquarters is in Perth, Australia, with an operations office in Darwin, Australia.

The company directly employs seventeen people, including managerial, technical (geology, metallurgy, engineering), environmental, commercial (finance, marketing, accounting), legal and administrative staff.

The company’s clients include its shareholders, potential investors, potential customers, and local community and government stakeholders in the Northern Territory. Arafura’s shareholders are spread across the globe, with sizeable representation from Asia, Europe and Australia.

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The main ‘service’ offered by Arafura, is the prospect of attractive financial returns from the development of the Nolans NdPr project in the Northern Territory. The company is also exploring the potential to diversify its project into South Korea through a downstream refining plant via a Joint Venture arrangement with Korean chemical manufacturer, OCI Company Ltd. Managing Director, Gavin Lockyer begins the interview by telling us about Arafura’s overall mission and the steps the company is taking to achieve this.

“Arafura’s overall mission is to become a key global producer of rare earths – and in particular the rare earths Neodymium (Nd) and Praseodymium (Pr) – and merchant-grade phosphoric acid from our Nolans project. NdPr is the foundation of the fastest growing and most valuable application for rare earths – ultrastrong Neodymium-Iron-Boron (NdFeB) permanent magnets

used in the automotive, clean energy, healthcare and consumer electronics sectors, and in many industrial applications including robotics, elevators, refrigeration, and power tools.

“Over the past ten years, we have been taking steps to achieve our overall objective.

During this time, we have been progressively reducing the technical, environmental, marketing, financial and regulatory risks associated with developing Nolans. The project is now in the final phases of technical and economic feasibility, obtaining the regulatory approvals necessary to construct the project, and negotiating product offtake agreements to underpin project financing.”

As for what differentiates the company from competitors, Gavin explains that there are five key attributes that marks the company out as the best possible options for investors interested in the rare earths sector.

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Company: Arafura Resources Limited Name: Gavin Lockyer (Managing Director) Email: arafura@arultd.com Web Address: www.arultd.com Address: Level 3, 263 Adelaide Terrace, Perth, WA, 6000. Australia Telephone: (+61) 8 6210 7666

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“There are five attributes that separate Arafura and the Nolans project from our competitors: 1. Nolans is more strongly endowed in NdPr than any advanced rare earths development project globally, and will derive 80-85% of revenue from this product; 2. The project is ideally located with respect to existing energy, transport, and water infrastructure in one of the world’s most secure jurisdictions for mining and minerals processing, Australia’s Northern Territory; 3. Low operating costs and product diversification (phosphoric acid) to help sustain the project through cyclical downturns in rare earth prices; 4. Support from a major international group in OCI, one of South Korea’s largest renewable energy and chemical companies; and 5. Recognition by the Australian and Northern Territory governments of the economic importance and strategic nature of the project via the awarding of Major Project status.”

When discussing the industry as whole, Gavin reflects on some of the current challenges and outside influences that are affecting it. Also, he notes on the techniques that Arafura employ to stay ahead of emerging developments.

“The rare earths industry is characterised by a highlyfragmented supply chain with most of the world’s mining, processing and refining capacity in China. Rare earth projects are capital intensive and the development lead time is necessarily lengthy, considering their complexity and the fact that each operation has its unique characteristics.

“NdPr prices escalated during 2017 after being at their lowest levels in almost seven years.

This was partly driven by the continued consolidation of the Chinese rare earths industry into six large state-owned enterprises (SOEs), including stepping up of environmental compliance measures and aggressively curtailing illegal or unsustainable operations, and partly by the increase in demand for NdFeB magnets for use in the burgeoning hybrid/electric (HEV/EV) automotive and clean energy sectors. Demand for NdFeB magnets, and therefore for NdPr, will continue to rise due to the mass electrification of the auto sector and the growth in clean energy across the world (requiring permanent magnet synchronous motors or generators). At the same time, an NdPr supply shortage is highly likely due to underinvestment in new or existing mining and processing capacity, and China’s recent track record of capping production quotas for sustainability reasons.

Consequently, NdPr prices are forecast to climb further over the next several years, coinciding with our timetable to bring Nolans into production.

“On the back of the above developments, we have noted increased investment interest in the rare earths sector and in NdPr-enriched projects, such as Nolans, during 2017. Arafura has taken advantage of this positive sentiment and raised over A$9 million in funds during this time, including new investment capital from the Asia and North America regions.

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“Here at Arafura, we place enormous value on intelligence acquired from information services, market experts, technology providers and active participants in most parts of the NdPr supply chain. To that end, Arafura subscribes to several independent information services (where cross-referencing can help support the company’s marketing and financing strategy), and maintains active and regular dialogue with a number of industry operatives in China, Japan, the EU, and the USA. “The company also participates, where sensible, in collaborative technical research and development initiatives where it considers outcomes could deliver a competitive advantage in areas such as processing and refining technology.”

It’s no secret that behind every successful company, is a dedicated, passionate workforce.

For Arafura, Gavin describes the culture as being one that is joined together by one common purpose.

“Arafura’s culture is one that is founded in achieving a common purpose, and in our case, that’s delivering on our objective to become a key global producer of NdPr rare earths. Every decision that is made by our people affords consideration of its impact on the commercial prospects of the company and its stakeholders, and the timing of the impact. Innovation is certainly encouraged in our business, but again, is tempered by commercial considerations, timeliness, and the effect on the communities in which we seek to operate.

“Resource development, and rare earths development in particular, is a long game, so it’s important that prospective employees demonstrate resilience, commitment and hunger for a challenge, whether that be technical or commercial, in their employment history.”

Bringing the interview to a close, Gavin envisions what developments may occur within the industry and how Arafura will adapt around them.

“The rare earths business has certainly seen its ups and downs over the past decade, and changes aplenty, but one thing’s for certain: China will continue to dominate the sector in both supply and, increasingly, demand. It seems inevitable that China will soon be a net importer of NdPr if you accept the high-tech policy ambitions that they articulated in their recent “Made in China 2025” industrial masterplan. I believe that the sector has entered a new golden phase that will be driven by society’s desire for responsible development, and lifestyle considerations that reduce our impact on the environment. Clean energy and the electrification of the transport sector are just two drivers of increased demand for NdPr in the medium term, and as in the past, we can only imagine what the future holds in the development of new uses for NdPr and other rare earths.”

Looking ahead, Gavin reveals to us some of the plans that lie ahead for Arafura.

“In 2017, we have achieved a great deal, and have every expectation that 2018 will be a defining year for us. That’s because all elements of our Nolans project – technical and economic feasibility, government approvals, and securing product sales agreements – are coming together to support our efforts to procure US$680 million in project financing.

“Our aim is to position the company to capitalise on the anticipated sustained rise in NdPr prices by readying Nolans for final execution. By this time next year, we anticipate we will be close to a Final Investment Decision (FID) on the project.”

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Property Success at Its Prime Whether it be a family home or an investment property, Prime Estate, a long-standing boutique property advocacy agency, assists Australians and those living overseas with the acquisition of Melbourne properties. We profile the firm as well as speak to Martine Chauvin and Founder, Christopher Teakle about the inner-workings of the company.

Founded in 2004

by Chris, and ably managed by Martine, Prime Estate have helped hundreds of first time home buyers, property investors and Australian expats secure the perfect Melbourne property. Prime Estate also provides dedicated property management services taking the stress out of managing properties and tenants. ‘The best property in the best location that best fits your objectives.’ This is buyer’s advocacy, Prime Estate’s promise.

What is a Buyer’s Advocate?

A buyer’s advocate, also known as a buyer’s agent, is someone who looks for and purchases property on a buyer’s behalf. Not to be confused with real estate agents, they have no connection with the seller or the agency representing them and therefore, they earn no commission on a property sale.

By law, a buyer’s agent cannot act for and accept a payment from both parties in the same transaction. This means a

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buyer’s advocate or agent acts exclusively for the buyer. They work on the buyer’s behalf in all aspects of the purchase, from searching, evaluation and negotiation through to the purchase of the property, as Martine explains.

“Throughout the company, we act exclusively for our clients and have no affiliation with real estate agents. Negotiations, purchasing, property management, we have got it covered. Our client’s objectives essentially become our mission. They are our priority.”

Furthermore, a buyer’s advocate’s market knowledge and negotiation skills helps property purchasers save significant time in locating the right property and securing it at the right price, ultimately, helping buyers to make more successful purchasing decisions.

Meeting a Client’s property buying objectives First and foremost, it is worth considering that a buyer’s agent’s main objective is to make sure the client has secured the

best property for their financial and lifestyle objectives. Buyers agents want their clients to return to them for the next property purchase. If their service and purchase leads to a positive financial outcome for a client, the client is going to entrust future investments to them.

If people are looking to purchase property, consider what they want to achieve with a property purchase. Does the client want to buy a bigger home for their growing family? Are they thinking of using the home as a rental property? Is it an interim step to meet a job opportunity or are they planning to re-sell it after a number of years? Their goals must be taken into consideration when searching for and buying property, something Chris is keen to emphasise.

“Fundamentally, we unlock the best properties Melbourne has to offer. As a Buyer’s Agent, we act solely on our client’s behalf, simplifying the process and providing strategic advice and market savvy to ensure that they get the best property that best fits their criteria and budget.”

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Company: Prime Estate Contact: Martine Chauvin Contact Email: martine@primeestate.com.au Address: 299 Moray Street, South Melbourne, 3205, Australia Phone: 0061 3 9686 0058 Website: www.primeestate.com.au

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Working with Prime Estate With Prime Estate, it all starts with a consultation, and whenever possible, a coffee and a chat. They will establish the client’s goals and requirements including their budget, their preferred area and the types of property they are interested in. Once Chris and Martine have this information, they will then conduct a comprehensive search for properties that meet the criteria. Properties are also inspected on their behalf, saving precious valuable time and money.

In Australia, the search for the dream home can take more than six months on average, that’s a lot of weekends spent researching and going from one location to another, just to ascertain if a home fits a person’s lifestyle needs, budget, and most importantly, objectives.

In addition to the property search, buyer’s agents can also gain access to unlisted or of market properties, as they are usually contacted directly by agents of properties before these properties are listed on the market. Buyers can often get better outcomes from these off-market listings than in a competitive auction setting.

Evaluation and assessment will then follow, which includes a detailed report on the property.

Where possible, they will also learn why the vendor is selling which can provide a negotiating edge. Prime Estate assess the

capital growth potential of the area based on historical and future growth trends as well as economic indicators. Valuation then takes place which is based on the following factors: property history, comparable sales in the area, street; current rental yield figures, and historical capital growth of the property.

Once a property has been selected, an acquisition strategy is developed, including preauction offer, auction strategy or negotiation tactics for private sale/treaty properties. This is developed on a property by property basis and is not a one size fits all approach. “Our objective is to provide enough information to allow our clients to make a fully informed decision on the property in relation to price”. As buyer’s advocates, Prime Estate are skilled and experienced in all aspects of bidding, negotiation, contracts and the settlement process. They will bid on the client’s behalf at an auction and support or conduct the negotiation process to secure the property at the best possible price.

Location, location, location Ask any buyer’s advocate, real estate agent, or experienced property investor, and they’ll say these are the three most important factors to consider when buying a home: location, location, location.

Sounds simple enough, right?

Not for first time home buyers and even savvy investors are unlikely to have their fingers on the pulse

of every location. However, while location often tops the list, there are several other factors that all come into play to make a great buying decision. Lifestyle needs, strong capital growth, proximity to retail, schools and transport, government investment in the area, likelihood of strong tenancy, rental yield and more. A person’s buying objectives and how much they are willing to (or can) invest, will have a direct impact too on the location they can buy in as suburbs have different median price points.

These are the many considerations a Buyer’s Advocate must account for when finding their client the right property, in the right location, at the right price. Dedicated to meeting a client’s property goals, Chris and Martine live and breathe the Melbourne property market – which at the moment is hot, hot, hot! They know the intricacies of the area, the best locations for market growth potential, comparative suburbs for the budget and importantly, they know a good deal when they see one.

When home buyers and property investors work with Prime Estate, they work directly with the Directors Chris, and Martine, whose passion for property and 13 years of experience in the market have earned them a reputation for being two of the most successful, respected and dynamic buyer’s advocates in the Melbourne property market.

This is a significant difference because it is the agent’s direct expertise and motivation which that person is tapping into.

Stress-free property management For many investors, managing properties and tenants can be stressful and time-consuming.

Managing a property entails looking for suitable tenants, ensuring the property is in pristine condition, ensuring rent is paid on time and rental rate increases are made in a timely manner, processing administrative documents, and making sure that council, water rates and insurance are all paid for.

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To add to this, potential legislation changes are expected in the state of Victoria, that can significantly change tenantlandlord relationships. The changing rental demographics has prompted the state government to review the property and renting laws.

Previously, private rental was considered a short-term arrangement eventually leading to home ownership or a move to social housing.

But now, one-third of renters are considered long-term, having rented continuously for more than 10 years. These renters include older people on fixed incomes and families with children, for whom stability is critical.

Some of the potential changes to legislation include longterm leases of up to 10 years, extending the eviction period to 182 days, and allowing for non-structural modifications to be made to the property without the landlord’s consent. For landlords, this can make effective property management even more difficult.

Prime Estate can take the stress out of managing properties and tenants, especially during this time of change, with their dedicated property management services. Their team of professionals understands and listens to the requirements of both investors and tenants, and are committed to building personal relationships that help deliver the best possible results. With an extensive portfolio of properties and multiresidential tenancies under their management, Prime Estate knows this business well, as Martine is keen to highlight.

“The changes in regulations mean that the way property management is conducted should also evolve in order to remain effective. We continue to innovate, enhance and improve our systems and processes to ensure we stay ahead of the pack and provide the best possible service to our clients”.

g

Property Success at Its Prime

Dedicated to their client’s property success Ultimately, moving forward this boutique Melbourne specific business remains as committed as ever to providing their clients a comprehensive, expert service, from searching for the best property in the best possible location through to stress-free property management. For property buyers, especially those living outside of Australia, knowing they have a professional on their side working on the best outcome for their investment can make a world of a difference.

For Prime Estate, Martine comments on the fact that being able to provide this powerful dual service of buyer’s advocacy and property management is a testament to their passion for property, their commitment to excellent service, and their genuine desire to be able to help their clients achieve success in this market.

“It is incredibly rewarding when our clients tell us how much they love their new home or how their investment has worked so well for them, and that is why we love what we do and why we keep doing it. Seeing our clients thrive, seeing them succeed, it is amazing.”

As experts in Melbourne’s property market and with decades of experience, Prime Estate knows how to deliver results. Their services are tailored to meet the varied objectives of their range of clients that include first time home buyers, Melbourne investors, Australian ex-pats living overseas, finance professionals, accountants, and property developers. Whatever the client’s property objectives are, Prime Estate’s services are designed to give them the best chance at property success.

APAC / December 2017 17

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Inclusive and Incisive Basketball Victoria is the peak body for basketball in Victoria, Australia. Karen Pearce, General Manager of Inclusion and Strategy, gives us an insight into the services that the organisation offers its clients and associations.

Basketball Victoria is a not-for-profit organisation, and is a member driven governing body providing a range of services for 160 Affiliated Associations state-wide. In addition to supporting its Associations, Basketball Victoria coordinates a range of participation and player development programs, coach and official programs, as well as governance education and support that will equip the Associations to understand issues, adhere to policies and codes and subsequently create safe, supportive and welcoming environments.

Providing a lot of support for a diverse community, Basketball Victoria is also the custodian for wheelchair basketball in Victoria, a natural extension of its inclusion philosophy by developing and supporting a program for people with impairment. The organisation has developed numerous entry levels, strategies and clear, integrated pathways that engage and develop players, coaches, officials, administrators and volunteers across the entire basketball system. Opportunities are also available for all people to engage in wheelchair basketball, particularly those with childhood on-set disabilities, spinal cord injury (SCI), secondary physical disabilities and physical impairment that

18 APAC / December 2017

is not traditionally seen as ‘disabled’ (e.g. chronic conditions that prevent people from participating in their chosen sport).

Furthermore, the governing body also have strategies and activations targeting people who are ambulant with varying physical restrictions and ablebodied participants who, under the confines of the rules of wheelchair basketball, are able to play to help build numbers and promote awareness and education. Karen tells us how Basketball Victoria is different to other sporting bodies, describing how they have a much greater ability to attract and create opportunities for a diverse range of people and she is clearly keen to showcase the effort and focus the organisation and herself places on inclusion.

“With an emphasis on leadership and maintaining an advocacy to support broader change, one of my major achievements would be the recognition by VicHealth of Basketball Victoria as the exemplary leader in inclusive practice, allowing us to leverage this status for increased access and equity particularly for people with disability not only in Basketball, but in community life.

“Moreover, the Basketball Victoria Inclusion Team, including past and present team members, have all been instrumental

in upholding and supporting the inclusion message and contributing to the overall success of my department. All team members are held in high regard and respected for their knowledge, awareness and exemplary conduct throughout the greater community. Providing hands on support prior to community engagement has enabled those involved to think critically and overcome potential barriers, thus improving access and the provision of successful deliverables easily achieved through this dedicated approach.

Critical reflection of our activities and planning for evaluation became integrated into routine work ensuring a robust analysis from beginning to end. The Team has strengthened its evaluation skills, which has led to a sustainable legacy and increased confidence in evaluation. It has been and continues to be, a pleasure to work alongside such a committed and highly competent team on a day-to-day basis.”

Karen tells us about her own role within the organisation and how she helps uphold Basketball Victoria’s excellent reputation.

“As the General Manager for Inclusion and Strategy, I lead a team with significant experience, demonstrated capability and a firm commitment to provide an opportunity for people of all abilities and backgrounds to be

g Inclusive and Incisive

Company: Basketball Victoria Contact: Karen Pearce, General Manager Inclusion and Strategy Contact Email: karen.pearce@basketballvictoria.com.au Address: State Basketball Centre, 291 George St, Wantirna South VIC 152, Australia Phone: 0061398378067 Website: www.basketballvictoria.com.au

APAC / December 2017 19

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involved in Basketball. A number of years ago we developed a framework, the Inclusive Basketball Strategy (IBS), that created a structured and clearly defined approach to creating those environs and places where people can stand the best possible chance of actively accessing and understanding inclusion and to ensure its philosophy and practice is embedded within the Business of Basketball.

“Essentially, the prime objective of my department is to continue to improve our service delivery, educate the basketball community on inclusion principles, build intercultural relationships and opportunities, grow public awareness and support for inclusive programs and continue to grow participation across a wide number of areas state-wide thus enhancing the whole community by providing equitable, inclusive and accessible basketball.”

Referring to inclusion, Karen tells us how despite many efforts and a marked improvement, diversity is still not normal within sport.

Sport is no longer just about the development of athletes and the administration of competitions, but also about inclusion, and making everyone feel at home within the community. Nowadays, sport is expected to offer a range of programs for people, no matter their ability, age, gender, race, culture or sexual orientation.

Diversity needs to be nurtured, people need to be supported and educated and it needs to be prioritized to become everyday business. This all falls in line with her ultimate goal for Basketball Victoria and for people who are sometimes unfairly excluded.

“Working as General Manager of Inclusion and Strategy, my goal is to continue to empower transformational inclusion: a mental model shift that enhances the competencies and capabilities of Basketball Victoria and challenges the status quo.

As a General Manager, I have the ability to influence and execute beyond my departmental positional power as I have been

20 APAC / December 2017

acknowledged as a trusted source of advice and counsel.

However, it is vital that I do not become complacent and ensure we continue to lead the sporting inclusion agenda by contributing holistically to the success of our sport. It is imperative that we persist in producing enabling environments by training and supporting associations to operate effectively and efficiently in this space, increase accessibility and not lose the momentum of work we have already achieved in this area.

We must maintain the key existing personnel operating within existing programs, whilst developing and leveraging their potential and knowledge to influence the agenda via continuous learning and succession planning.

“Insufficient information exists for health care professionals, parents of children with impairment and people with acquired injury on how to engage in wheelchair basketball as a public health intervention.

Considerable research data however does exist on the benefits to the Quality of Life outcomes for people with impairment who engage in sport. We are utilizing this data to produce a targeted marketing and communication intervention, articulating key effective messaging and program information that is assisting to facilitate social change and increased participation, which is critical to the ultimate overall success of this particular project.”

paving the way to marginalization and exclusion. This has led to highlighting a required need to influence thinking and action and place a focus on access and support.

“Over the years, I have acknowledged the difficulties in establishing a truly inclusive basketball environment, but have remained unwavering in my commitment to diversity and inclusive practice and my belief that continued advocacy is the key driver to Inclusion.”

Moving forward, Karen has identified some of the major issues which are detrimental to Inclusion programmes, and she tells us how she will plan to change these. Relying on funding alone is not something that will help inclusion programmes survive, and Karen is keen for Basketball Victoria to implement a strategy which will help solve the funding issue, which is definitely applicable under her stewardship.

“Essentially, the majority of Inclusion programs under my directorship have begun due to funding, however the reliance on funding alone to be the sole contributor to program sustainability will be to our ultimate demise. Basketball Victoria must implement a strategic focus on gaining sponsorship/philanthropic support to ultimately create a sustained focus in this area and allow more people to participate in basketball.

Evidently, there is still a lot more work to do with regard to inclusion and diversity, but Karen has already overcome many challenges. As part of her role, Karen has opened up many avenues and presented many opportunities for people in the local community who may not always get the chance. She talks to us about the overall perception of sport, and a culture of the fear of the unknown, something she has worked to change.

“A major challenge in the wheelchair basketball space is the cost of basketball-specific wheelchairs. Day chairs should not be used in sport: they are chunky and do not glide as smoothly on the court making the experience less pleasurable.

We need financial support to purchase enough chairs to enable new programs to begin, so more people can experience the holistic benefits basketball provides.

“Perception is still the key barrier to sport participation. There is still a fear of the unknown

“Ultimately, the journey is not over for Basketball yet. I still see gaps in practice that if left

unattended, could widen and break the work achieved to date. The scope is far greater than the capacity of a single person. Associations still need support and encouragement to begin work and internally we must continue to support, advise and strengthen capacity.

I will continue to challenge the basketball landscape and the wider community to ensure that anyone can be involved, welcomed, nurtured and developed.”

g Inclusive and Incisive

APAC / December 2017 21

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Success is in the Air Air Aroma is the leading scent marketing agency, dedicated to designing custom fragrances for luxury brands around the world.

Maggie Kyle tells us more and talks us through the secrets behind the firm’s success so far.

With nearly 2 decades of experience and an unrivalled global network, Air Aroma is the leading scent marketing agency helping worldclass companies implement scent as part of their overall branding strategy. Maggie explains how the firm works to use this experience to ensure excellence for its clients at all times.

“At Air Aroma, our specialties include custom signature scent design, natural essential oils and advanced fragrance diffusion systems. We have a diverse range of clients in varying industries from hospitality to automotive and everything in between. Our global client portfolio includes luxury brands Sofitel Hotels & Resorts, Four Seasons, Hugo Boss, Mont Blanc, Mercedes Benz, Lexus and Cathay Pacific.

“Alongside our work in ambient scenting, we have expertise creating high-quality scented products and amenities for our valued clients. Hand-made candles from France, interior fragrance mists, housekeeping sprays and wearable perfumes are the most highly requested items.

With an in-house R&D, branding experts and product development coordinators we have the ability to create custom products for a bespoke scenting solution from concept, design and production.

“Currently Air Aroma is among 1 of 4 global scent marketing providers in the industry. Air Aroma is the largest and most prominent provider in APAC with an established presence in this region for nearly 20 years. Throughout APAC, we are witnessing a shift in focus from hospitality to growth in previously untapped industries,

specifically retail and special events. We believe this is due to the growing middle-class desiring more meaningful and memorable interactions with brands coupled with the fact that general awareness about the power of scent has increased.

These two factors have influenced more markets to utilize fragrance as part of their overall brand strategy or to promote creative campaigns.”

formulated from only the best ingredients around the world.

Each ingredient is carefully selected, all with the client in mind. We require essential branding information, weaving every detail which is translated into a bespoke signature fragrance. Such information is not limited to key brand identifiers, target audience, interior design, and main objectives of the fragrance.”

To ensure only the best outcome, whenever the firm starts working with a new client it collaborates with them to create a unique product tailored specifically to their individual needs and preferences, as Maggie highlights.

Looking to the future, Air Aroma has many exciting projects on the horizon which will ensure its continued success, as Maggie is proud to conclude.

“When undertaking a new project Air Aroma utilizes a holistic approach, considering all aspects of the client’s objectives and works towards a scenting strategy that is tailored to their needs. Such factors may include desired emotion and atmosphere, type of area to be scented, local technical support & training and budget requirements.

“In most cases, we recommend Signature Scent creation, taking the client through our unique development process. In order to create a signature scent for a client, we immerse ourselves in their brand, fully understanding all facets of the business. Air Aroma Signature Scents are beautifully complex creations,

22 APAC / December 2017

“With the public experiencing beautifully scented surrounds in hotel lobbies, retail stores, car dealerships, we receive a high number of inquiries from clients wanting to re-create this atmosphere in their own home.

Adapting to these requests, Air Aroma has a strong focus on luxury retail items as well as re-inventing an improving our iconic Aromax home diffuser.

These projects and new clients will help us to achieve our overall aim: to be recognized as the global leader in providing scenting solutions through innovation, design, education and operational excellence.”

g Success is in the Air

Company: Air Aroma International Contact: Maggie Kyle Contact Email: maggie.kyle@air-aroma.com Address: 26/91-95 Tulip Street, Cheltenham, VIC, 3192, Australia Phone: 0061 3 9017 3511 Website: www.air-aroma.com

APAC / December 2017 23

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Aiming to be the Provider of Choice TRILITY is an established industry leader, solely dedicated in the delivery of water, wastewater, reuse and bio-solids solutions across Australia and New Zealand’s municipal and industrial sectors. We profile the firm and spoke to Managing Director Francois Gouws as we look to find out about the success of the company.

TRILITY’S leadership draws on more than 20 years’ experience of providing highquality solutions for the public and private sector clients including financing, design and construction, operations and maintenance, asset management, disinfection, specialist equipment and utility management services.

The company has a growing footprint across Australia and New Zealand and its capabilities span the full life cycle of water infrastructure, delivering services to millions of end customers every day.

TRILITY’s mission is ‘leading the way in water utility solutions’, and Francois Gouws of TRILITY tells us more about how the Company achieves this objective.

“Here at TRILITY, we focus on providing appropriate solutions to the wide range of challenges which our clients are faced with. Our technical teams strive to keep abreast of innovation and new technologies, and our commercial teams examine a range of approaches to ensure solutions are delivered as cost effectively as possible over the long term.

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“TRILITY also focuses on active participation in a range of industry associations to ensure we contribute to the overall advancement of the water industry. Our participation includes major national bodies such as the Australian Water Association, Water Services Association of Australia and the Committee for Economic Development of Australia as well as numerous state-based associations and organisations.”

A brief overview of the Australian water market notes that water service delivery, and TRILITY’s customer base, varies significantly across Australia and New Zealand. In general; in Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania and the Northern Territory, state-wide utility companies are responsible for water supply and distribution on an almost state or territory wide basis.

Furthermore, in Victoria, New South Wales, South East Queensland and Auckland there are separate municipal retail service providers that cover the major municipal centres and regional Victoria and; Local governments provide

water services in most parts of Queensland, New South Wales and much of New Zealand.

Discovering more about the Australian water industry, State and Local Government owned entities are generally responsible for the ultimate delivery of water, but private sector operators are increasingly involved, working in partnership with government owned utilities.

Interestingly, within the market, there is significant outsourcing of capital project delivery and maintenance services to the private sector; and discrete water and wastewater treatment assets and associated services are increasingly provided by private sector operators (e.g. water treatment, wastewater treatment, desalination, filtration and recycling) and; the growth in outsourcing is expected to continue as governments seek to improve operating efficiency and control the overall cost of service to customers.

While there are a number of key issues a recent Deloitte/ Australian Water Association State of the Water Sector Survey identified five of the most

g Aiming to be the Provider of Choice

Company: TRILITY Contact: Caroline Kerkhof Contact Email: CKerkhof@TRILITY.com.au Address: Level 10, 115 Grenfell St, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia Phone: 61884086511 Website: www.trility.com.au

APAC / December 2017 25

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significant for the sector, which include the price of water and water regulation; water sector professionals’ perceptions of customers’ beliefs; sources of water; digital technology and; asset management and operational efficiency through asset management, process improvement and works management and systems improvement.

Mr. Gouws goes on to provide more detail about the industry, stating that there are unique challenges which present themselves to the company.

“Essentially, the industry we work in is very fragmented across different geographies in Australia and New Zealand. This creates a range of unique challenges requiring a specific approach in each geographical location, including: staff spread over significant geographic distances and small teams working in physical isolation; significantly varied climatic conditions and hence safety hazards and technical challenges; and unique regulatory environment and client corporate structures.”

The Company’s differentiator with regards to the competition focuses on its ability to develop the most appropriate bespoke and flexible solutions for any given challenge that its clients face. This includes both technical and commercial aspects of a solution. Coupled with this focus on appropriate solutions is the collaborative culture that TRILITY brings to its client relationships, manifested through transparency, integrity and flexibility.

In the lead up to a new project, the TRILITY team spends significant time understanding the client’s strategic context and the underlying drivers for the project. This includes analysing competing priorities for the potential client and understanding the priority of issues to be resolved, as Mr. Gouws explains.

“Throughout the industry, our offerings are as tailored as possible to suit the client’s needs,

26 APAC / December 2017

we customise technical solutions, commercial structures, and delivery partners in an attempt to achieve mutual success with our clients’ on every project.

“Given that most of our projects are long term, collaborative contracts, we also place significant emphasis on values and culture alignment with those of our clients’. At the commencement of a new project, our team places significant effort on relationship development and builds this into a robust project planning process.”

Discovering what techniques the firm employs to stay ahead of emerging developments, TRILITY’s core business has been focused on developing long term relationships with utility clients, predominantly focused on the provision of water and wastewater treatment solutions.

This has included financing, constructing and operating and maintaining as well as providing bespoke equipment solutions.

This provides the Company with an excellent core business with long term contracts and a significant geographic footprint.

Mr. Gouws tells us more about the Company’s future.

“A focus area for us at the moment is how we can use this base to add an additional major service offering predominantly to existing clients. There are a number of areas we see potential for this offering, based on growth in our clients’ businesses.

“Moreover, our clients continue to adapt to meet their end customer needs and expectations and of late this includes a significant focus on embracing new digital technologies. These technologies are helping our clients meet their customer needs.

“At TRILITY, we are placing an emphasis on understanding current digital technology trends and how they impact on our core business (for example in improving treatment plant performance) and also how they will offer new business opportunities for us in the areas above or other emerging areas.”

The success of the business has in large part been due to its continued focus on providing water and wastewater solutions.

It has avoided the temptation to spread its focus too widely and has instead remained dedicated to the water sector.

“As a team, we see that this will still be the absolute core of our business in five years’ time as helping our clients to provide this essential service provides a very strong cultural and values base for our business. The water sector will continue to grow with population and economic development.

However, it will need to increase its resilience to cope with important factors such as climate change and other disruptive factors, so we see a range of new opportunities for our business.

“Whilst continuing a core focus on the water sector across Australia and New Zealand, we envisage working in new geographies and providing different service offerings within the sector.”

Regarding the internal culture, where staff are concerned, TRILITY’s internal culture is based on continued service delivery to its clients. Having a simple mission relating to leadership in water utility solutions provides clarity and allows the development of a strong culture, as Mr. Gouws embellishes.

“Our core values relate to integrity, being progressive and showing commitment in what we do, our culture is focussed on safety, sustainability of our operations and integration within the local communities where we operate.

“A unique challenge in maintaining a strong culture is the geographic spread of our business and the bulk of our staff being located in small, geographically isolated teams rather than in a large centralised office. To overcome this challenge, we focus on a flat hierarchy, regular and open communication and positive interactions between the teams in our business. In spite of the geographic spread we do manage to maintain the feeling of a relatively small, flexible and friendly business.

“TRILITY employees work together in an environment where each is treated equitably, with fairness and respect. We are committed to developing employees who can excel in current and future roles. Also, we ensure that appropriate career opportunities are available for talented employees seeking new challenges. As such, we place priority on promoting from within as part of a broader objective of developing a high performance.

Fundamentally, TRILITY is committed to improving the communities it serves, and as a supplier of essential services, the company understands the impact its facilities have on the communities where it operates. This, in turn, means it is also focused on ensuring that employees adhere to the corporate values and commit to exemplary performance across all aspects of TRILITY’s footprint in the community.

“This runs across everything we do, from protecting the environment to supporting community organisations. This means we are constantly seeking to recruit the best employees - those who can deliver results today and work towards an improved result tomorrow.

“Cultural and values alignment is important in our recruitment decision making. We use behavioral based techniques to assess potential staff as well as considering skills and experience requirements.”

Regarding what the future holds for TRILITY, Mr. Gouws explains what future plans there are for the company, as he talks about change in the company’s shareholders.

“Moving forward, TRILITY’s shareholders will change in the near future and with that comes new opportunity, something that the management team and staff have embraced. Our role is to ensure the same level of service continues to be delivered to our customers and the communities we serve.”

g Aiming to be the Provider of Choice

APAC / December 2017 27

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It Does What it Says on the Can Megatreat Liquid Stone is a revolutionary high-quality building material that has all the qualities of natural stone because it is made with natural stone. We profile the firm as we look to find out about the material and what makes it unique.

Megatreat Liquid Stone is a flexible material which will not crack, is incredibly economical, and easy to use on any type of horizontal or vertical surface. Also, the stone can be tinted or textured to a wide range of finishes, including terracotta, sandstone, limestone and brick and tile.

The products used to create the liquid stone have all been thoroughly tested by the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (C.S.I.R.O) in Australia Laboratories in the USA. Importantly, the stone passed all the necessary tests, including its flexibility, strength, fire resistance, ultra-violet light, crack resistant and mould resistant. As a result, the liquid stone can flex with variations of temperature and moisture.

Offering a variety of products, the high-grade natural sandstone, terracotta and limestone possess a unique combination of stone aggregates, and an acrylic-based crosslink polymer. Versatile and adaptable, the team at Megatreat have designed the stone for both interior and exterior applications, and also for vertical and horizontal services.

Importantly, the stone is also fully functional in both residential and commercial properties.

Profiling the different types of Megatreat Liquid Stone and the various products, we look at the colours that can be applied to each stone. The Liquid Sandstone possesses three natural colours; natural, Sydney white and desert gold.

An additional colour offered

by Megatreat includes tinted charcoal grey.

Lastly, there is an additional option for the Liquid Stone, and that is White and Tintable or Light Grey which comes as a filler or a joint colour. Megatreat Textured Primer Coat is used to cover Pebblecrete or rough uneven surfaces to smooth them out, and also can be used as the “joint colour” and does not create any spider web cracks!

Megatreat Natural, Satin or Gloss Sealers are applied once the Liquid Stone is dry, which can take up to around 24 hours after application. The tried and proven range of sealers can be

28 APAC / December 2017

easily applied, which will wash up in water and not give off any offensive smells, which is another aspect of the products’ success.

Another option is a factory added water and oil repellent admixture keeping the surface non slip, natural looking and no need to seal after application. Unrivalled in its longevity, a slip resistant additive can be mixed into the satin and gloss sealers for areas such as pool surroundings, shop floors and of course bathrooms. These products are environmentally friendly, and wash up in water. Thanks to its advanced polymer base, Megatreat products can flex with variations of temperature and moisture.

Additionally, there are many features and benefits of Liquid Stone. One of its main benefits is that it looks, feels and wears like natural stone, whilst also being provided and available at a cheaper cost for clients.

Furthermore, the company are keen to point out that it is very easy to use, as it comes straight from a can, meaning it is fast and easy to apply.

Moreover, many clients may question whether or not the liquid stone is suitable for their surfaces, but the products work on virtually any surface and the original product will not fade.

This is a major contribution to the successful nature of the

firm, maintain a lifetime warranty because it is extremely durable and crack resistant.

Importantly, the liquid stone must be environmentally safe, fire resistant, and mould resistant.

Among its notable clients, Megatreat Liquid Stone is applied to the new Nemo Ride at Disneyland Anaheim California and casinos in Las Vegas.

Regarding its easy use straight from the can, there is no mixing or measuring, and Megatreat can be spread, brushed, bagged, trowelled or even sprayed onto almost any surface, including pebblecrete, concrete, slate, tiles, brick, wood, plastic, steel, wrought iron, glass, asphalt, fibro, blue board, hardiflex and lastly laminates.

Ultimately, these products can be coloured using a non-organic pigment or paint tint from the company’s local paint store.

Its accessibility, easy use and excellent customer satisfaction all contribute greatly to the success of Megatreat, and it is no wonder many clients return.

In summary, Megatreat can be applied to provide an effect that looks and feels like stone, but is safer, providing a non-slip effect.

Moving forward, Stephen is keen to move onto new adventures and is looking to sell Megatreat.

Most of all, Megatreat looks to have a bright future ahead of it.

g It Does What it Says on the Can

Company: Chemical Developments Pty Ltd Contact: Stephen Rapaport Contact Email: chemdev@nelsonbay.com Address: 88 Port Stephens Drive, Taylors Beach, NSW, 2316, Australia Phone: 61249822877 Website: www.megatreat.com

APAC / December 2017 29

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The Ultimate Compliance Safety Net Software for Your Peace of Mind Global Tenements provides worldwide tenement security software for mining companies wanting to protect their biggest assets; their mining tenements. We caught up with Tracy Browning as we look to explore the secrets behind its ongoing success.

Global Tenements is the brainchild of Tracy Browning.

Her knowledge is crafted from 12 years of managing thousands of tenements in Australia and foreign jurisdictions for large mining and exploration companies. We take a look at what makes both Tracy and Paul Browning excellent leaders of their firm.

Tracy is very ably supported by her husband, Paul as co-director of Global Tenements Pty Ltd and successful businessman in his own right. Prior to operating their successful property conveyancing practice, Goldfields Settlements, Paul had experience in the agricultural and transport fields in business as well as over 10 years advising members of the Australian Parliament, including Ministers. He followed that with several years working within the indigenous affairs field.

He brings very broad experience of external stakeholder engagement at both the highest levels of government in Australia and at the community level.

Both Paul and Tracy are very community minded and are

30 APAC / December 2017

active in the local business community of Kalgoorlie Boulder, WA in providing advice to other business owners. Tracy through her involvement with Goldfields Women in Business and Paul through the Goldfields Chamber of Commerce. They are also advanced Toastmasters who are often called upon to MC events and mentor young entrepreneurs.

Global Tenement’s fool proof system ensures its clients’ tenure is absolutely secure, and are able to guarantee that no critical action dates are missed which would put tenure in jeopardy.

Having spent over four years of developing the software which contains worldwide industry knowledge, the team at Global Tenement can confidently provide a faultless system that can achieve the results excellent tenure management requires on a consistent basis. Within the mining industry, the team assist mining companies to reap the rewards that come from mining their resources wherever they are located, in any corner of the world. Tracy outlines the firm’s overall mission of providing faultless software which allows mining companies to achieve

excellent tenure management consistently, telling us what steps the company plans to take in order to achieve this.

“Having been involved in the tenement management industry for the past 12 years, Tracy Browning, founder of the software knows the pitfalls of most systems used in-house to secure mining companies most important assets, their tenements. The fragility of compliance is every tenement manager’s nightmare. Tenements are only protected if you keep them compliant, and it has always required careful attention to detail to eliminate the prospect of forfeiture.”

Discussing what distinguishes Global Tenements apart from its competitors within the industry, Tracy comments on what marks the company out as the best possible option for clients.

“Fundamentally, our software has been built to mimic an experienced tenement manager sitting on the client’s shoulder to guide the client, step by step through the tenement management process. It has also been designed so it can be multi-

g

The Ultimate Compliance Safety Net Software for Your Peace of Mind

Company: Global Tenements Pty Ltd Contact: Tracy Browning Contact Email: tracy@globaltenements.com Address: PO Box 10939, Kalgoorlie, WA, 6433, Australia Phone: 61409204456 Website: www.globaltenements.com

APAC / December 2017 31

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jurisdictional, which allows clients to manage their tenure wherever they are mining throughout the world.”

Furthermore, Tracy is keen to point out the excellent customer service that Global Tenements provides, and what steps the company takes in order to ensure that clients receive the best possible outcome.

“Regarding our approach to new clients and projects, our first action is to conduct a thorough due diligence of their tenement package to ensure that all tenements are in good standing and that any encumbrances, agreements, access issues, transfers or native title dealings are captured. We identify land tenure/tenement matters that need addressing immediately.

Our professional assistance enables required processes and applications are carried out in a manner that is both efficient, and specifically tailored to ensure that mining assets are secure and appropriate land tenure is in place.”

Keeping up to date and on top of developments within the industry, Tracy describes what techniques the firm employs to stay ahead of emerging developments, which is a key aspect of Global Tenements continuous and overwhelming success.

“Attendance at mining conferences helps to identify emerging markets, and which countries are being targeted for exploration. Global Tenements ensure that our staff have skill

sets that can take advantage of these opportunities. Recently, we employed a Mandarin translator to better cater for the increasing number of Chinese mining companies exploring overseas opportunities and were having difficulties in understanding the compliance issues they needed to meet to secure their land tenure.

“Additionally, Global Tenements Directors have always been proactive in talking to associates in the mining game to keep abreast of current issues and identify opportunities for the firm.

Developing good relationships with regulatory authorities in mining jurisdictions ensures our system meets their compliance rules and regulations. Our recent meetings with government officials from Zambia, Botswana and Ethiopia identified areas we could assist with in the future.”

Operating within the Asia-Pacific region can provide challenges to various companies, but also present opportunities, and Tracy provides us with examples of what challenges Global Tenements has had to overcome whilst working within the region.

“Any mining company will tell you that the rules are constantly changing with more and more complex regulations they need to meet to stay in compliance.

This applies to every mining jurisdiction in the world. We are mindful of ensuring our software can be adjusted to meet these changing compliance practices to ensure our clients’ needs are protected.

“When native title was first introduced into Australia, many mining companies did not know how to deal with this issue and felt that it would become too difficult to do business in Australia.

As a skilled negotiator with a passion for honouring the land, its traditions and its future use; I have respectfully facilitated native title agreements and access agreements with stakeholders of competing interests.”

In her concluding comments, Tracy provides us with more information on the Asia-Pacific region currently, going into further detail about the outside influences which may be affecting the industry. Tracy then signs off by predicting what the future holds for Global Tenements, hinting at possible new products and software, including venturing into new areas and translation services.

“The mining industry in Australia has been adversely affected by the global slump in commodity prices and access to finance.

An upsurge in gold exploration started occurring in February 2016 and now we are starting to see new mines being developed.

Exploration is the first thing cut from the budget of mining companies when finances become tight so it is a very good indicator that the industry is looking optimistically to the future when they again start investing in green fields exploration.

“Essentially, we assist companies to peg leases and knew things were picking up when we were involved with competitive pegging at midnight, something we haven’t seen in the goldfields for many years. Ground has again become hot property and keeping control of your tenure has never been more important than in the current climate.

“Moving forward, in 2018 we will be launching our global tenements software and will be looking for mining companies to trial the product. Also, we will be offering Mandarin translated software to Chinese mining companies exploring other mining jurisdictions.”

32 APAC / December 2017

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The Ultimate Compliance Safety Net Software for Your Peace of Mind

APAC / December 2017 33

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High Scientific and Natural Beauty Alissi Bronte is a luxury high scientific and natural cosmetic brand. We profile the firm as we look to explore the secrets behind its success of being featured in the APAC Hong Kong Business Excellence Awards 2017.

Paying great attention to detail and taking great care with the products it produces, Alissi Bronte is really a firm making great strides within the cosmetic industry. Its products are made only with exclusive organic and natural ingredients, giving it maximum effectiveness.

Holding a great amount of qualifications, the company are also certified in Quality ISO 9001, Environmentally Friendly ISO 14001, Labatory Researching UNE 166002 and GMPs ISO 22716, and its own certified

organic plantations, all of which highlight the significant steps the firm is taking forwards.

Operating out of its laboratory, Alissi Bronte has developed an exclusive formula at an exceptional ingredients concentration, all of which create unique and customised treatments and beauty rituals for face and body skin care.

Having firmly established itself within both the national and international market, Alissi Bronte products are currently present worldwide, boasting a presence in more than 40 countries.

Clients are attracted to the products the company produces if they seek cosmetics with floral water, natural sugars, pure essential oils, ecological medicinal plants, regulatory and self-protective effects on the skin. All of the offerings from the firm, produce visible and lasting rejuvenating effects, and the bioactive products provide clients with beauty, health and wellbeing.

In addition to the qualifications that the company holds, staff also possess a great amount

34 APAC / December 2017

of experience, as trained professionals, they work hard to truly gain a knowledge and understanding of their clients’ skin and their needs. The staff have travelled a huge number of kilometres around the world searching for new techniques, and researching the latest trends which will help them to produce the best products possible.

Furthermore, the team at Alissi Bronte believe that this is the beginning of what will be the signature of High Scientific and Natural Cosmetics, with its vision of being the most advanced, always at the forefront of beauty, rigorously controlled a pioneer in research and development of new formulas.

Ultimately, the success of Alissi Bronte is down to the firm’s innovation and dynamic processes which enables the company to really express itself.

Being flexible, the company has worldwide recognition, and its growth can be attributed to the leadership at the firm, taking great care against risks and possessing great financial strength. The traits with which the company was founded have been kept until today.

g High Scientific and Natural Beauty

Company: Alissi Bronte Contact: Mariano Sanchez Contact Email: mariano@alissibronte.com Address: C/Uruguay, Parcela 18/1, Pol. Industrial Oeste, Murcia, 30169 San Gines, Spain Phone: 0034 968 88 43 16 Website: www.alissibronte.com

APAC / December 2017 35

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Helping the Generation of Rising Stars United Overseas Bank Limited (UOB) is a leading bank in Asia with a global network of more than 500 branches and offices in 19 countries and territories in Asia Pacific, Europe and North America.

We profile the firm as we look to find out more about the company as it is featured as Hong Kong & Corporate Bank of the Year 2017 and Christine IP, Greater China CEO at the firm.

Throughout Asia, UOB conducts its operations from its head office in Singapore, and has banking subsidiaries in China, Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand, as well as other branches and offices across the region.

The bank has been operating for over eight decades, and generations of UOB employees have carried through the entrepreneurial spirit, with the focus on long-term value creation

and an unwavering commitment to do what is right for both customers and colleagues.

Embedded in the company culture is the firm belief in being a responsible financial services provider and ensuring client satisfaction. The team are committed to making a difference in the lives of its stakeholders, and throughout the communities it operates in.

Clients want to be able to manage their finances securely and helping its customers is at the forefront of the business.

UOB is unequivocal in its support of social development, particularly in the areas of art, children and education.

Outlining the firm’s values, all of which contribute the long-term success of the company. Staff are honourable, enterprising, united and committed to ensuring the future of the firm. Staff act prudently and maintain the highest professional and moral standards in all of its dealings, with customers and with each other.

36 APAC / December 2017

The company as a whole was built with an enterprising spirit, and demonstrates this through thought leadership, a keen insight and members of staff possess a forward-looking mindset. Teamwork is one of the most important contributors to the company’s achievements, as well as the team’s commitment to performance, with UOB holding itself accountable for results and performance.

Finally, profiling the commitment to its clients, the team at UOB promise to treat staff fairly, adopting the utmost professional and moral standards. Providing the customer with the right solutions and getting them to know them personally highlights the hands-on approach implemented by staff and are all reasons why UOB is as successful as it is.

Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, the team at UOB are always there for the client when it matters, no matter what the issue is, with the experienced time ensuring the client is satisfied with the service they receive.

g Helping the Generation of Rising Stars

Company: United Overseas Bank Limited Website: www.UOBgroup.com

APAC / December 2017 37

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Plants for the Future Generations SWA Water Australia Pty Ltd (“SWA”) is an Environmental Engineering company which designs and constructs Industrial Wastewater Treatment Plants. We profile the business as we look to find out about its services and future aspirations.

Founded in 2006, SWA is based in Sydney, Australia where it has a new factory equipped with modern equipment for the manufacture of SWA’s products, predominantly in Stainless Steel. The SWA Water Group also includes companies in Malaysia and Thailand, and has Agents and Business Partners throughout South East Asia. More than half of SWA’s business is out of Australia.

SWA’s plants are operating in 20 countries across five continents, from Nigeria to Mongolia to Peru.

Analysing its services, SWA maintains a strong research focus on Product Development, with continuous product improvement being one of the hallmarks of SWA’s success.

Boasting experience and a variety of certifications, SWA is a Quality Certified company to ISO 9001:2015. The Quality Control program required under ISO 9001:2015 provides SWA’s customers with that level of confidence that they are dealing with a reliable and responsible company. As a result, SWA enjoys many repeat projects from its many Customers.

Furthermore, alongside its impressive track record, SWA has a range of equipment used for wastewater treatment. SWA’s key equipment includes CPI Oil Separators, DAF (Dissolved Air

38 APAC / December 2017

Flotation) & DGF (Dissolved Gas Flotation) Units, DAF Thickeners, Solids Separators, Lamella separators, Hi-rate solids separators and other ancillary equipment.

Primarily, SWA’s business falls into two main areas; the manufacturing and sales of the company’s core and related products, as well as undertaking complete turnkey projects on a design and construct basis.

Consistently producing great results, some notable projects undertaken in recent years include a 2008 completion project, when the firm constructed 40,000 m3/d centralised treatment plant for 30 Textile companies all located in the one Industrial Estate in southern China, believed to be the largest Textile wastewater treatment plant in the world at that time.

Other exciting projects were completed in 2012, when SWA Water Malaysia was awarded an RM30m (AUD10m) contract for Oil Separators for the new Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminal T2.

Additionally, SWA manufactured 59 stainless steel Oil Separation plate packs, each pack weighing 2,200 kg and rated at 1,000 m3/h flowrate, fitted into 18 Oil Separators arranged in 12 locations which each ranged in flowrate between 1,000 m3/h to

9,900 m3/h. These oil separators are believed to be the largest oil separators in the world.

Due to its predominantly export business, SWA’s export success was recognised by awards which saw its influence in producing the best results. In December 2013, SWA was awarded the Australian Government’s Exporter of the year Award for small business category.

In 2017, SWA signed contracts with China’s Lee Kuan Kee, the world’s largest soy sauce manufacturer, for the 7th and 8th x 60 m3/h DAF units which LKK has purchased from SWA. SWA prides itself on its technical experience and expertise and its willingness, through careful and thorough research and testing, to develop new products, new applications for existing products and technical solutions for problems presented to SWA by its customers.

Regarding its extensive experience, SWA has gained a wealth of practical knowledge through its energetic involvement in the treatment of wastewater for the petroleum and petrochemical industries.

SWA’s Malaysian subsidiary SWA Water Engineering Sdn Bhd is a prequalified Bumi Putra Company and is registered with Petronas for its wastewater treatment contracts. SWA Water Malaysia is currently constructing

a 720 m3/d treatment plant for an oil terminal in Johor State which includes Oil Separation and recovery, chemical emulsion breaking and DAF separation, biological treatment, activated carbon filtration and mechanical sludge dewatering. The entire plant is explosion-proof Exd rated Class 1, Group IIA/B T3 and has a PLC/SCADA control system.

In 2015, SWA supplied a 60 m3/h CPI Oil Separator plant to PT JGC Indonesia for the Shell Monas Lube Oil Plant in Jakarta where SWA’s oil separator removed and captured more than 99.9% of the oil, reducing oil concentrations from 10,000 ppm (parts per million) to less than 1.4 ppm. This clearly demonstrates the world class ability of SWA’s CPI type Oil Separators.

Eventually, moving towards the future, there looks to be exciting times ahead for SWA. On the basis of its ongoing and consistent success, the firm looks likely to achieve its mission of being an internationally recognised global supplier of quality and reliable industrial wastewater treatment plants and equipment.

Essentially, operating with staff all working towards the same mission and the company values embedded within the team, there is no reason why SWA will not be able to cement itself as a leader within the industry. The team always strive to improve

g Plants for the Future Generations

the performance of its products, and always strive to improve the quality of its products. Not just content with producing the best results, staff are always looking to improve their own performances as individuals, as well as those of the company.

Ultimately, it is SWA’s values which are a major factor in its achievements. Staff are honest in all of the company’s business dealings, and treat suppliers and customers with the respect they deserve, not discriminating against anyone.

Clients and employees can deal with SWA knowing it provides a safe and enjoyable work place, and that the team will deliver on their promises and meet client expectations.

Company: SWA Water Australia Contact: John Meyers Contact Email: johnmeyers@swawater.com.au Address: 9/9 Fitzpatrick Street, Revesby, Sydney, NSW, 2212, Australia Phone: + 61 2 9525 4788 Website: swawater.com.au

APAC / December 2017 39

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