A round up of events and happenings within the industry

The International Tunnelling and Underground Space Association calls for nomination for the 7th ITA Tunnelling Awards

The 7th edition of ITA Tunnelling and Underground Space Awards is officially launched! Since 2015, the international competition seeks and rewards remarkable achievements within tunnelling industry. Organized by the International Tunnelling and Underground Space Association, which gathers 78 Member Nations1 and 300 corporate and individual members, the event both showcases the latest innovations, techniques and methods implemented in underground construction. It also offers a global overview of on-going projects all over the world. Due to recent global pandemic which impacted international travels, this edition will be held online through a dedicated platform.

The submissions can be made through different categories showing essential aspects of tunnelling industry. Over the past years, underground space has been identified as a crucial lever to build resilient urban environments and tackle impacts of climate change.

Sustainability and Ethic have become the driving forces behind all underground projects, and through this new edition, ITA Tunnelling and Underground Space Awards has at heart to demonstrate the evolution of the industry to meet these new challenges, and especially with the new category “Beyond Engineering: Making Underground Works Projects Even Better”.

The eight awards categories are: • Major Project of the Year (more than €500 million) • Project of the Year (between €50 million & €500 million) • Project of the Year Incl. Renovation (up to €50 million) • Technical Innovation of the Year • Beyond Engineering: Making Underground Works Projects

Even Better • Oddities of the Underground • Innovative & Contributing Underground Spaces • Young Tunneller of the Year

Entries and selection process has to be made on ITA website. Nominations for the different categories must be related to projects for which the major civil engineering work was completed between 1January 2019 and 1April 2021. The Young Tunneller of the Year rewards an individual born after 1 January 1986 and who has brought an outstanding contribution to tunnelling.

Trackunit announces strategic expansion in Asia Pacific Japan region with new offices and regional leadership to support growth in construction

Trackunit, a global leader in softwareled telematics solutions for off-highway vehicles and construction market equipment, has increased its APJ presence with the appointment Chi Sen Gay, a highly experienced global tech senior executive, and the opening of its regional headquarters in Singapore as well as new offices in Japan and Australia. The new moves build upon Trackunit’s existing presence to better serve current and new customers throughout the region. Leading the expansion in Asia Pacific Japan (APJ) as newly appointed SVP for the region, Chi Sen Gay brings decades of experience garnered from the enterprise IT sector, where he focused on software, hardware, and services. Chi Sen previously worked at global companies including Schneider Electric and IBM and brings strong knowledge and experience of building a digital business.

Trackunit is a driving force in the digitization of the construction sector, serving equipment manufacturers, rental companies, and contractors, connecting construction equipment and processing data to the cloud to deliver value-added insights. The APJ region is highly receptive to the benefits that technology provides. It is a major opportunity for Trackunit’s SaaS capabilities to add insights and value for customers. The digital transformation of the construction industry supports customers’ greater understanding of their site environments and machine asset health.

Chi Sen Gay stated: “Having spent more than two decades in the region’s tech industry, improving data centre uptime and availability through digitization, I see a great deal of symmetry in what is now happening in construction. People in this region are highly interested in technology and keen to realise its possibilities! I look forward to leading the Trackunit team as we support construction through its own digital transformation, changing the way equipment and machines are operated and maintained and helping to eliminate downtime.”

Trackunit CEO Soeren Brogaard said, “I’m delighted to announce the appointment of Chi Sen Gay and the opening of a new regional headquarters and offices to better serve Asia Pacific - one of the largest global construction equipment (CE) markets and home to some of the most technologically advanced OEMs. We have a growing installed customer base in the region and it’s important that Trackunit puts feet on the ground to help them realise the efficiency, productivity and profitability benefits which digital transformation means for their businesses.”

Digital transformation expert, Chi Sen Gay, appointed to lead Trackunit in APJ as new Regional HQ established in Singapore.

IM GROUP completes installation for leading manufacturer in Western Europe

The recently rebranded IM GROUP (formerly Inkmaker Group) has announced the completion of a major installation in Western Europe.

The project, led by Oliver Daulon, General Manager, Inkmaker France SARL / Area Sales Manager for IM GROUP, was completed in record time by a specialised team at IM GROUP’s Headquarters in Turin, Italy.

“It was challenging for our colleagues, to work through COVIDrelated restrictions, in meeting the tight deadline but the positive attitude of the team, led by Enrico Mattiazzi, ensured that all ran smoothly and to plan,” explained Olivier.

The project, involving water-based state-of the-art gravimetric and volumetric dispensing technology, agitators and qualitycontrol stations interconnected via flexible conveying systems, brought together several components from the various brands within IM GROUP.

“We are very pleased with the outcome and look forward to completing many more projects with this client,” concluded Christophe Rizzo, CEO EMEA / Americas, IM GROUP.

IM GROUP listed in Europe’s top 10 chemical tech solutions providers 2021

The recently rebranded IM GROUP (formerly Inkmaker Group) has been recognised as one of the “TOP 10 CHEMICAL TECH SOLUTION PROVIDERS IN EUROPE 2021” by Manufacturing Technology Insights.

Headquartered in Italy, IM GROUP, a global technology leader focused on reliability, offers total process engineering through its brands: Inkmaker, Rexson, Vale-tech, Swesa, Teko and Tecnopails. The Group’s core business – predominantly in the paint, coatings, ink and chemical industry – offers design and manufacturing through to complete engineering studies and turnkey solutions; customised plant engineering and software design; highly accurate automated dispensing; process equipment from bulk handling to filling lines; POS equipment and other related services.

“We have invested significantly in the global evolution of our Group from systems and processes, software and technology through to human capital and the acquisition of several companies with specific expertise. All of this was recently revealed in the international media with the rebranding of our Inkmaker Group to IM GROUP. This recognition by Manufacturing Technology Insights therefore comes as a great honour to us, and we would like to thank the judges for their exhaustive research at arriving at their decision,” said Christophe Rizzo, CEO EMEA / Americas, IM GROUP.

Several criteria attracted Manufacturing Technology Insights to IM GROUP, amongst which the Group’s technological and automated systems. IM GROUP, renowned in the industry for its leading proprietary software – the brain behind its installations and machines – and its systems that are manufactured in three continents, guarantee highly accurate colours consistently, precisely and instantly in the 15 countries, throughout the five continents, where it operates.

IM GROUP, already renowned as one of Asia’s leading processengineering solutions providers, and who last year expanded their factory premises in China to double its previous size, is highly respected in the industry for its unique strategy of employing a dual-CEO leadership. This, the Group advocates, focuses their attention more intently either side of the globe. Roberto Guerra, CEO Asia Pacific, IM GROUP, who is currently visiting the Italian headquarters concluded, “Industry 4.0 technology and smart factories are at the drivers of our growth. This nomination, although specifically for Europe, is significant throughout all our brands and geographical locations, we are very proud of our colleagues and the prestigious recognition they have brought the entire Group.”

First Look at Taiwan Excellence Innovative Building Materials

With innovative thinking, precisions manufacturing and an extensive supply chain, Taiwan is leading the pack in the building materials industry. “Taiwan Excellence” – the symbol of the highest honour of Taiwan’s premium products – will hold a Building Materials Online Product Launch on 25 August 2021, providing Malaysia participants a closer look at Taiwan’s top brands and their ground-breaking advances that improve user quality and safety. The product launch will be divided into two categories: kitchen & bathroom and factory building materials.

In order to facilitate new business opportunities, a one-onone business matching session will also be held on 26 August 2021, the following day of the event. This will allow interested Malaysian businesses to further connect with the Taiwanese building materials companies.

Jye Li An Technology Taiwan Sakura Sheng Tai Brassware Herher Synergy Sanitar

The 10 Taiwan Excellence awarded building materials brands include: ➢ SESSION 1: KITCHEN & BATHROOM • JYE LI AN TECHNOLOGY – 21*21 Bathroom Heating Fan

(J-411)

JYE LI AN specializes in the research and development of automated high-quality household products. Their J-411 bathroom heating fan is suitable for the ceiling opening of the built-in bathroom exhaust fan in old houses. • TAIWAN SAKURA – Chimney Type Cooker Hood

(RW7100/9100)

TAIWAN SAKURA is the biggest manufacturer of gas water heaters, range hoods, stoves and built-in hobs on the

Taiwanese market. Key products include chimney-type cooker hood (RW7100/9100), which comprises a smart deodorization system with their patented 2-1 rectification plate design for easy detachment. • SHENG TAI BRASSWARE – JUSTIME Water Drinking Faucet

SHENG TAI prides themselves on their design in sanitary products via their own brand “JUSTIME”. Their Water Drinking

Faucet uses lead-free brass with chrome plating, making the product acid-resisting, heat-resistant and erode-resisting. • HERHER SYNERGY – MiniBle Q Microbubble Faucet Aerator

HERHER SYNERGY is an enterprise that has experienced and professional personnel in R&D, and marketing. Microbubbles created by MiniBle Q, which are 500 times smaller than the size of human pores, can enter into the surface of our skin or vegetable to achieve deep cleaning, while reduces water wastage by 15 – 30%, and enhances the power of degreasing by saving 10-15% of detergent usage. • SANITAR – Sink and cabinet

SANITAR, under their own brand Caesar, follows the world’s most advanced trends. Introducing their high-temperature fire-resistant ceramic technology (Fine Fire Clay), which uses one-piece firing method to make the products integrally formed. The company is also the only sanitary ware manufacturer in Taiwan capable of developing a super large integrated porcelain basin.

➢ SESSION 2: FACTORY • SHENG YUAN ELECTRIC – VIVI – V8D Circulation Fan

SHENG YUAN, under their “ALASKA” brand, is a producer of silent ventilating fans and artistic ceiling fans. Their VIVI wall fan is equipped with 8 inch aerodynamic blades and

DC motor for powerful circulating airflow, which works perfectly with the air-conditioning to create an energysaving and comfortable space. • YOKE INDUSTRIAL – Key Eye Point

YOKE is one of top iconic Taiwanese manufacturers of lifting fittings for chain, wire rope and webbing slings with over 35 years of experience in the industry. Their Key Eye Point can rotate through 360° adjustable in the direction of the load and with a key attached serving as torque wrench, it brings you risk-free solution for lifting. • FRADOX GLOBAL – Venting Master’ - Natural Roof

Ventilation

FRADOX is committed to the research and development of energy-saving, carbon- reducing and environment-friendly products. Their “Venting Master” Natural Roof Vent uses an

upward-opening design to cool down by natural convection. • WELL-LINK INDUSTRY – KVM Viscoelastic Damper (KVM)

WELL-LINK is the largest manufacturer of anti-seismic devices and structural bearings for buildings and infrastructure in Taiwan. The Well-Link KVM Viscoelastic

Damper (KVM) is a passive, velocity displacement dependent energy dissipation device for vibration control and seismic protection of structures, which reduces the effects due to earthquakes and wind. • CHING YUANG ENTERPRISE – LED Balloon Light Tower

CHING YUANG specializes in manufacturing high watt LED lighting products, ventilation systems and spot coolers.

Their LED Balloon Light Tower is not only energy saving but also combines fan heat dissipation to extend the life of the lamp.

Don’t miss out on this informative online product launch by Taiwan Excellence! For more information and registration, please call +6018-355 2560 (Mr Gabriel Chow) or visit event website: https://l.linklyhq.com/l/WOBl.

Vestas secures 113 MW wind order in Japan with customised tall tower solution

Vestas has secured an order for the 113 MW Sumita Tono Wind Farm in Japan with Green Power Sumita Tono GK.

With the site located in complex mountainous terrain in the Iwate Prefecture, Vestas has developed a customised tower solution for the project to accommodate the site’s challenging transport, wind and seismic load conditions, and it will feature the tallest hub heights for any wind turbines above 4 MW rating in the country, unlocking new wind resources at higher and more consistent wind speeds. Developed by Green Power Investment Corporation (GPI), the order will include supply and supervision of installation of 27 Vestas V117-4.2 MW turbines of which 23 will be installed on 114-meter towers and the other four on 94-meter towers.

It will be the first collaboration between Vestas and GPI, which is the Japanese partner of US-based Pattern Energy Group LP that since 2004 has been focused on developing, constructing, and operating renewable projects in Japan.

Vestas will also deliver a multi-year Active Output Management 5000 (AOM 5000) service agreement for the wind farm, providing an energy-based availability guarantee to ensure optimised performance and long-term business case certainty for the customer.

Delivery of the turbines will begin in the first quarter of 2022, with commissioning is scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2022.

Malaysian talents make nation proud with regional win

The 13th edition of Asia Young Designer Awards (AYDA) International Finale organised by Nippon Paint came to a successful conclusion following the announcement of Dayana Aripin and Evva Lim Fee Yah, both from Malaysia, as Asia Young Designers of the Year 2020. The budding designers were crowned winners in the Architectural Category and Interior Design Category respectively, beating other finalists from 13 participating locations across Asia.

Along with gaining recognition for their design and Malaysia on a prestigious international platform, the crowned winners will also receive a chance to embark on a fully-sponsored, six-week Design Discovery programme at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design (GSD) in Massachusetts, USA, worth US$10,000.

Dayana Aripin from Universiti Sains Malaysia bagged the winning prize for the Architectural Category with her project titled ‘Microhousing Within the Heritage Context’. Inspired by the heritage homes of Georgetown, Penang, the concept uses a microhousing solution for urban development in pocket spaces of heritage zones that will revitalise spaces, bringing more locals to live with the existing neighbourhood. Evva Lim Yee Fah with her winning project ‘WO.MEN Women Empowering Centre’ for the Interior Design Category is from Taylor’s University. The project aims to create a safe living space offering resources and opportunities to achieve empowerment.

“The past year has shown the importance of innovation, sustainability and empathy as we continue to brave the global pandemic. This edition of AYDA therefore holds a great significance in our journey forward. In the next edition, we are hoping to see more entries emerge from Malaysia as we look forward to the impact that these spaces and designs will create for generations to come,” said Datin Wong Meng Lee, Assistant General Manager of Marketing, of Nippon Paint Malaysia.

Held virtually, the international design competition revolved around the theme of ‘Forward: Human-Centred Design’ setting the stage for aspiring designers to create spaces that are socially conscious while being innovative and sustainable. Both the winning designs were successfully able to combine human elements of heritage and empowerment respectively, and portray a sustainable design outlook.

This year’s edition also took special care to include several digital interactions and virtual coaching sessions where all the participants were able to interact with recognised industry mentors and coaches, as well as online workshops for participants to sharpen their creative storytelling skills before the virtual awards ceremony that was held live and garnered over 700 views during the event.

AYDA by Nippon Paint has begun the journey toward its 14th edition, bringing together young designers, mentors and industry professionals under one roof. Themed ‘Amplifying Empathy through Design’, AYDA 2021 is open for entry submissions and will push the boundaries of ingenuity even further.

(Source: aathaworld.com via pinterest)

Malaysia’s construction industry to grow by 14.6% in 2021, driven by investments in transportation and energy projects, says GlobalData

Malaysia’s construction industry is set to recover in 2021 and expand by 14.6% after construction activity was brought to a standstill due to the impact of COVID-19 containment measures. However, the recovery is more a reflection of the depths to which activity fell in 2020 amid the COVID-19 lockdown, rather than a sign of resurgence, says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

According to GlobalData’s report, ‘Construction in Malaysia – Key trends and opportunities to 2025 (Q2 2021)’, Malaysia’s construction activity had slowed considerably in 2019 due to delays in several mega construction projects and an increase in unsold housing stock. This weakness was further exacerbated with the pandemic in 2020 and as a result, construction valueadd declined by 19.4% in real terms. The recovery in 2021 will be driven by investments in transportation and energy projects as well as affordable housing.

The construction industry is expected to post an annual average growth rate of 6.5% in real terms between 2022 – 2025, driven by a recovery in economic conditions, coupled with investments in transport infrastructure, renewable energy, residential, telecommunications and water infrastructure projects. In mid-December 2020, the government approved a 2021 budget worth RM322.5 billion where 73.3% is allocated towards operational expenditure, 21.4% towards development expenditure and the remaining 5.3% towards dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Willis Rooney, Economist at GlobalData, commented: “Recovery over the forecast period will be supported by the government’s aim to increase the share of renewable energy in the total energy mix from 2% in 2019 to 20% by 2025; to achieve this, an investment of RM33 billion will be required over the next six years. Forecast period growth will also be supported by the development of telecommunication infrastructure to improve the quality and coverage of 4G broadband services and set the foundation for 5G in the country. To support this, the government launched the Jendela Plan with an investment of RM21 billion, to be implemented between 2020 and 2025.”

Both residential and commercial construction struggled over the course of 2020, with the recovery in both sectors expected to be gradual. The residential sector’s output over the short term is expected to remain weak due to the disruption to residential construction activity, coupled with weak demand for housing.

Rooney added: “As part of the 2021 budget, the government announced further measures to support the housing sector, which includes collaboration with financial institutions to roll out a rent-to-own program, which will benefit first-time home buyers until 2022. The government also allocated funds for the construction of houses for low-income home buyers, which will be used to build housing units under the People’s Housing Programme, as well as the Rumah Mesra Rakyat and Perumahan Penjawat Awam housing programmes.”

(Source: mbbusinessjoint.com)

NEWS & EVENTS & EVENTS

Kempinski’s ‘art of living’ comes alive at 8 conlay with a phygital interactive lifestyle mini movie series

Kempinski “art of living” phygital interactive lifestyle campaign.

KSK Land, Malaysia’s leading lifestyle and design property company, is bringing the 5-star luxury hotel services of Kempinski to “life” with an exciting integrated interactive ‘choose your own adventure’ mini movie series. As a teaser to how one can experience the ‘art of living’ with Kempinski, the team at 8 Conlay has created an interactive digital storytelling series that will enable you to choose your own Kempinski services and craft your journey through living at YOO8 (https://yoo8kempinski.8conlay.com/).

Presented in three chapters, this virtual experience offers users the opportunity to directly experience the hallmarks of Kempinski’s hospitality services from a first-person perspective. Launched recently, users will be provided with various scenarios that enable them to interact with these services, resulting in an intimate and first-person account of what it would be like to live as a resident of YOO8 serviced by Kempinski – the world’s tallest twisted twin residential towers.

“We have always looked at how we can uniquely provide an opportunity for people to experience what elevated living means by focusing on connecting emotionally with customers through crafted and meaningful experiences. This encompasses digital experiences as well that have become very much a part of modernday life. The next step will be to translate these mini movies into a physical experience that will take place at the YOO8 branded residences,” said Joanne Kua, CEO of KSK Group & MD of KSK Land.

She added that by seamlessly integrating the ‘decision’ format into the world of ‘YOO8 serviced by Kempinski’, in a digitally interactive approach, allows KSK Land to use big data in order to understand the service and lifestyle preferences better for future residences of YOO8. This will enable us to understand our customers more precisely on the back end, translating into designing and curating a better lifestyle when the YOO8 residences are completed next year at 8 Conlay.

Perfectly poised between nature and the city’s leading attractions, 8 Conlay will elevate the art of living with its fourstorey lifestyle retail quarters; the first and only five-star Kempinski Hotel in Malaysia; and branded residences called YOO8 serviced by Kempinski that presents timeless interiors designed by Steve Leung & YOO (Tower A) and Kelly Hoppen for YOO (Tower B) – the first collaboration of its kind in Southeast Asia.

The solar installation at the Intel chip and assembly test manufacturing facility at Kulim Hi Tech Park in Malaysia, is Intel’s largest solar farm outside of the U.S.

(Source: Intel Corporation)

Intel unveils its largest solar farm outside USA

Intel’s Malaysia operations are now harnessing solar energy to help power its six buildings across its Kulim and Penang campus, thanks to a new 3.2 megawatt (MW) solar installation completed in January this year. The installation is achieving 4.1MW in total installed capacity which is provided by NEFIN, a renewable energy developer. The project is Intel’s largest solar farm outside of the United States of America.

The construction work began in 2020 during the global pandemic, which presented many challenges but nonetheless the solar system was put into operation in January 2021. The completion of this project contributes about 15% of Intel’s global, on-site solar PV electric power capacity. It will also reduce carbon dioxide emissions by about 3,800 tonnes.

“Our continued investments in alternative energy are the key pillar of Intel’s continued commitment to operating our manufacturing facilities with the lowest impact to the environment. The use of renewable power generated on-site at Intel Malaysia is a critical part of Intel’s efforts as a responsible corporate citizen to doing better by our planet, and as part of our RISE 2030 goals of achieving 100% renewable power,” said Robin Martin, Corporate Vice President and General Manager of Assembly Test Manufacturing and Managing Director of Intel Malaysia.

The new solar farm panels at Intel Malaysia cover an area roughly equivalent to approximately 900 carpark spaces and an additional 50,208 sq ft on buildings’ rooftops, generating approximately 6,000MWh of electricity annually. The campus buildings’ electricity demand during peak hours is replaced partially by solar sources. The energy supply from solar sources also helps diversify and introduce renewable energy mix into the campus energy supply mix, which was predominantly powered by natural gas and coal sources.

In line with the World Earth Day theme of “Restore Our Earth”, Intel reaffirms its commitment to conserving energy and expanding on its renewable energy projects and energy-efficient technologies in technology design and operations, in combating climate change. Intel has already deployed several solar thermal systems for the supply of domestic hot water to all its campuses in Malaysia to eliminate its dependence on conventional fuel sources and will continue the expansion of clean and green energy sources to reduce emissions.

JJ-LAPP partners with Clenergy to make solar energy accessible in ASEAN

JJ-LAPP, the cable technology joint venture of diversified industrial conglomerate, Jebsen and Jessen Group, and LAPP Holding Asia, has expanded their partnership with Clenergy, a globally renowned solar mounting gear provider, for the distribution of Clenergy’s products in countries across South East Asia.

The partnership will enable engineering, construction and procurement companies in ASEAN including Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines to access Clenergy’s entire portfolio of products through JJ-LAPP’s extensive regional network.

Electricity demand in Southeast Asia (SEA) is increasing at a tremendous rate, projected to grow at a 3.7% annual rate during 2016 – 2040 twice the global average. To meet the growing electricity consumption and at the same time achieving ASEAN’s target to secure 23% of their primary energy from modern, sustainable, and renewable sources by 2025, SEA countries are substantially scaling up their deployment of renewables in the energy sector.

This has resulted in the SEA region being one of the fastest growing solar energy markets, with the share of renewables in the region’s primary energy mix predicted to rise to 37% by 2040. JJ-LAPP and Clenergy’s partnership comes at a time when the industry’s confidence in investing in renewables is growing due to the region’s rising population, economic growth, and nascent renewable energy capacity development.

JPP-LAPP’s Regional Head of Business Development Mr John Hng, in a statement said working with Clenergy will augment JJ-LAPP’s existing offering of products and solutions for the renewable energy and solar industries, enabling them to offer customers a one-stop solution for all of their product needs.

Clenergy’s range of solar mounting gear from their SolarRoof, Ground, Water, and Elevate series, will complement JJ-LAPP’s current suite of offerings such as the LAPP solar cables and connectors, Trina solar panels, and Huawei solar inverters to meet the growing demand for renewable energy in the region.

“The use of renewable energy has not just been proven to be beneficial to the environment but has also been seen as a driving factor in aiding the economy’s development. We already see a global shift in investment towards renewables, particularly with solar power in Asia, and we hope this promotes industry participation in green technology,” Mr Hng said.

With the cost of generating renewable energy rapidly declining, ASEAN countries have an opportunity to shift towards more sustainable business practices. Malaysia is already the world’s third-largest producer of photovoltaic (PV) cells, while investment in Thailand’s solar manufacturing industry contributes to the PV output for global markets. Singapore is also focusing on solar PV deployment as a sustainable energy source, and is forecasted to add 1.2GW of new power capacity generated between now and 2030.