22 minute read
A round up of events and happenings within the industry
Nippon Paint, Malaysia’s no.1 coating solutions provider, officially launched its e-commerce platform.
Nippon Paint launches Malaysia’s first e-store for the coatings industry
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Malaysia’s No. 1 coating solutions provider, Nippon Paint Malaysia has officially launched its e-store, the first e-commerce platform for a one-stop online shop for painting needs within the coatings industry in Malaysia.
The new e-store aims to provide consumers with a seamless experience journey, as close to what one would experience when buying paint at a physical store. From paint category selection, colour selection, as well as painting tools, the e-store provides a step-by-step guide for customers. Customers can expect deliveries to be fulfilled within three to seven working days. Nippon Paint’s e-store is accessible via: https://shoponline.nipponpaint.com.my
“The roll-out of Nippon Paint’s e-store was timely in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and consumers shift to prioritise their health and safety while observing social distancing. This is one of the many ways that we look to innovate and pivot during this unprecedented time, as we respond to the shifting needs of our customers,” said Gladys Goh, Group General Manager of Nippon Paint Malaysia Group.
Through Nippon Paint’s e-store, customers will be able to access paint solutions closest to their locations and also get in touch with the Customer Engagement Advisory team for guidance and recommendation via Online Chat. Further, customers will be able to utilise features such as Paint Calculator and Paint Estimator to help provide better gauge on the right amount of paint required for their homes.
Nippon Paint Malaysia has also hosted a Business Retail Transformation Talk for more than 150 business partners to share interesting insights on the changing consumer landscape in the coatings industry, and how they can remain relevant in today’s digitised business world.
The new e-store is part of Nippon Paint’s transformation journey, which aims to continuously inspire consumers to be creative in the comfort of their own homes amidst the pandemic. Being the market leader in the coatings industry with a database of over 10,000 paint formulations and a network of more than 3,000
Gladys Goh, Group General Manager of Nippon Paint Malaysia Group.
dealers nationwide, Nippon Paint will continue to push boundaries and pivot, implement innovative solutions, opportunities for its consumers and business partners during this time.
Winning the hearts of Malaysians for the 15 th year running, Nippon Paint was recently awarded the Platinum Award for the Paint Category in the prestigious Reader’s Digest Trusted Brand Award 2020. This year marks Nippon Paint’s 5 th year consecutive year of receiving the Platinum Award. The Reader’s Digest Award recognises consumers’ most trusted brands and industry players amongst various industries across 5 countries including Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines, Taiwan and Hong Kong.
Star Residences’ biggest Mosaic Tiles Wall Mural Art.
Star Residences shines with Malaysia Book of Records entry for biggest mosaic tiles wall mural art
The RM3 billion Star Development located on Jalan Yap Kwan Seng in the KLCC Central Business District of Kuala Lumpur continues its award-winning, record-setting ways with an artful entry into the Malaysia Book of Records for the nation’s biggest mosaic tiles wall mural art, which is visible from up to two kilometers away.
The three imposing 3-storey mural walls with a combined length of 58.77meters are installed on the highest floor of the three towers comprising Star Residences, a 57-storey tower and two 58-storey towers, including the Ascott Star KLCC Kuala Lumpur.
The stunning glass tile works in a bold palette of platinum, gold, white and black hark back to opulent Roman murals but with a contemporary twist. Inspired by nature, myth and environmental conservations the abstract installation was envisioned and conceptualized by the Chief Executive Officer of Alpine Return Sdn Bhd, Mr Alan Koh.
“Place making sets Star Residences apart making it aspirational icon of the KLCC area. We challenged ourselves to create a visual narrative that could capture the opulence, elevation and brightness of Star Residences. We believe that these majestic glass tile mosaic mural walls art, the longest and the tallest at an elevation of over 250 meters are a first in Malaysia, and possibly in the region. This is a gift to our residents and guests, and to visitors to Kuala Lumpur as it is visible from afar,” Mr Alan Koh says.
Alan Koh (CEO of Alpine Return Sdn Bhd) received the award certificate from Jwan Heah Yeow Hooi (Director, Business Development of Malaysia Book of Records).
The process of assembling the mega murals took three months, and a further two months to install by hand. Approximately 6.7 million Mozetti Classic mosaics were used to bring the three murals to life with detailed colour transitions for a seamless finish. Total costs for the project is estimated at RM1.5million.
Alpine Return Sdn Bhd is a 50:50 joint venture company between established Malaysian property developers, Symphony Life Bhd and United Malayan Land Bhd (UM Land).
NEWS & EVENTS
Grundfos proceeds to acquire Eurowater
Grundfos has entered into an agreement to acquire Eurowater, adding to its value proposition within the water treatment business.
“Eurowater brings a broad portfolio of solutions and a deep understanding of water treatment applications and endusers. This will enable us to strengthen our value proposition to customers. When complete, this acquisition will further advance us in our important work to address water challenges on a global scale,” says Ulrik Gernow, Group Executive Vice President, CMO, at Grundfos and continues: “Eurowater is an outstanding company and we are truly impressed by its organization and the people we have met”.
The Eurowater and Grundfos businesses share many similarities, including a sharp focus on innovation and offering high-quality products and value-added services to customers.
“A better buyer does not exist! It is with peace of mind that we leave ownership of our life’s work to Grundfos. We took over the company 17 years ago from the Scherfig family, who has owned the company since its foundation in 1936. With the global reach and presence of Grundfos and our extensive experience in producing first class products, we see great opportunities to boost the development of innovative and water efficient solutions to the benefit of our many customers,” says Torben Buhl, Managing Director for Eurowater.
Headquartered in Denmark, Eurowater serves primarily the European markets with a range of water treatment offerings, with a focus on customers in the industrial and municipal sectors. More than 13,000 foreign workers in the construction sector have undergone COVID-19 testing under the SOCSO Prihatin Screening Programme (PSP) since it was launched on 27 April 2020.
In line with the government’s directive to provide targeted testing, PSP has conducted COVID-19 testing for foreign workers working in the construction and security service sectors in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor. To date, 33,613 foreign workers across sectors have undergone the COVID-19 testing, of which 40% are from the construction sector.
In an effort to encourage more contractors to send their foreign workers for COVID-19 testing, the Construction Industry Development Board Malaysia (CIDB) has collaborated with SOCSO to organise a group testing session at CIDB Convention Centre on 5 July 2020. The initiative has successfully attracted participation from 700 foreign workers from 59 construction companies from Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya and Selangor.
With effect from 1 June 2020, the scope of PSP has been expanded including the provision of a subsidy of up to RM150 per test to employers who had conducted the COVID-19 testing for their employees, who are SOCSO contributors, and the COVID-19 tests are conducted in any clinic or hospital approved by the Ministry of Health.
Grundfos’ new iSOLUTIONS lab is the first of its kind by the company in Asia-Pacific.
The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals and is
CIDB-SOCSO organise COVID-19 testing session, attracting 700 foreign construction workers
expected to be closed during autumn 2020.
For employees who have not yet contributed to SOCSO, they can register as contributors prior to the testing. CIDB Malaysia also called on all contractors in the areas stated to send their foreign workers for COVID-19 testing through the PSP programme.
Swissma Doppelwelt® Standing Seam Roof
Swissma Snapwelt® Roofing
KITA Ria - affordable yet spacious serviced apartments to build lifetime memories with your families.
LBS successfully launched another project in KITA @ Cybersouth
LBS Bina Group Berhad (LBS) sets off with an unprecedented take-up rate for KITA Ria serviced apartment, with its first block already fully booked. Due to the strong demand, LBS has subsequently open second block for sale. This overwhelming response is a testament that LBS projects meet consumer’s demand on affordable homes that comes with facilities and amenities. Sited on a Malay Reserved Land township KITA @ Cybersouth, KITA Ria is set to bring in an estimated Gross Development Value (GDV) of RM268 million.
In a statement, LBS Group Managing Director Tan Sri Lim Hock San said, “This 22-storey serviced apartment, with a total of 812 residential units, offers practical built-up of 602 and 901 sq ft – with prices start from RM250,000 and RM343,800 respectively. This apartment is thoughtfully designed to provide practical spaces that are comfortable, while equipped with various facilities and communal area such as adult and kids swimming pools, outdoor gymnasium, multipurpose court, and takraw court.”
Tan Sri Lim also stated that the reintroduction of HOC will reduce the burden of homebuyers significantly, and LBS #DudukRumah Deals Plus Campaign will further incentivise home ownership.
“LBS has established a solid foundation in crafting homes with conducive environment for people. Affordability, connectivity and community living - are the three core pillars that LBS embraces when we curate our products. KITA Ria is an affordably priced home with good connectivity as well as sustainable environment that promotes family bonding and community living. With such positive market response, we are really happy that many families and individuals found new homes in KITA Ria.”
Tan Sri Lim elaborated, “Since its first launch in April 2019, KITA @ Cybersouth township has been and remains a focus for LBS. Almost all units KITA Bayu – comprised of double storey terrace house and townhouse were sold out. In addition to these, KITA Harmoni’s double storey terrace house has a takeup rate of 75%; meanwhile 964 units of KITA Impian’s serviced apartments were fully sold.”
KITA @ Cybersouth is a 633 acres township development located within the growing Southern Klang Valley. It is easily accessible via major highways and within close proximity to various key public amenities such as commercial hubs, financial institutions, local and international higher education institutions, governmental administration centre, international airport, healthcare providers and many others.
Platinum Victory launches Vista Danau Kota, its latest affordable urban project
In line with Malaysia’s national agenda and increasing market demand for affordable homes, Platinum Victory will be launching their latest Vista Essential Homes project, Vista Danau Kota, a development set within 3.721 acres of land area. The project is under the Affordable Housing Scheme (RUMAWIP) that sits comfortably in the prime locality of Setapak, Kuala Lumpur. Vista Danau Kota is a one-block development comprising 910 units priced at RM300,000.
“As a seasoned property developer in the industry for over two decades, Platinum Victory understands the market needs, without compromising the fundamental elements that most consumers look for in a property: location, value for money, convenience and accessibility. In this regard, Vista Danau Kota checks these boxes and at the same time, makes the most of the space allotted for a practical living. This affordably-priced development means many Malaysians are eligible to apply and potentially own a house in this much-anticipated development,” said Gan Yee Hin, Executive Director of Platinum Victory.
This affordable home is equipped with lifestyle facilities such as swimming pools for adults and kids, a multipurpose hall, laundry room, surau, community space, nursery, shop lots and 24-hour security - making for a comprehensive and comfortable living experience in an urban setting.
This latest offering is also a short drive away to a network of public transportation and has direct access to major expressways with the likes of Middle Ring Road 2 (MRR2), Lebuhraya DutaUlu Kelang (DUKE) and Jalan Genting Klang. It is also within close
proximity to a number of commodities, educational institutions and healthcare amenities, as well as numerous recreational attractions and cultural hotspots.
“In the pipeline, we have other upcoming projects that cater to homebuyers under Platinum Victory’s Vista Essential Homes segment. With the national agenda’s focus on affordable homes, understandably, this particular category of homebuyers would be one of Platinum Victory’s key target markets as well,” Gan concluded.
Vista Danau Kota will be officially launched on 4th July 2020, with its sales gallery open for public enquiries and show unit for viewing.
From left: Mdm Nur Aiena (HS) receiving the PPE from Ar Mumtazah (PAM).
PAM donates 1,000 sets of PPE to Hospital Serdang
Pertubuhan Akitek Malaysia (PAM), the professional body for architects in Malaysia, has handed over 1,000 sets of personal protective equipment (PPE) for medical frontliners in Hospital Serdang recently.
PAM’s Architect members and staff donated the funds for the materials in this joint collaboration with the Malaysia Bumiputra Designer Association (MBDA), whose volunteers designed and sewed the PPE.
PAM Community & Social Responsibility Chair, Ar Mumtazah Mustajab, who handed over the PPE at the hospital said, “We are grateful for the noble efforts of our medical frontliners who are working tirelessly to deal with the outbreak.”
She said the donation of PPE is one of PAM’s initiatives during the MCO/CMCO period, which included rallying architect and engineer volunteers to assist the Government in identifying buildings to be converted into temporary quarantine centres.
According to PAM President, Ar Lillian Tay, the public health crisis has compelled a revisit on how we design our buildings, homes, and workplaces as well as our living environment, especially in big cities. She also called for city authorities to focus on creating healthier cities and towns in the post-COVID future, in setting out the Structure Plan and Local Plans for our cities.
“We need our Government and local authorities to ensure there are more easily accessible urban parks and public squares in our increasingly high-rise, dense cities and to ensure that when we live and work in the city, we are always within walking distance of green open areas.”
Ar Lillian Tay also said that PAM has called for the forthcoming COVID-19 Bill to provide temporary relief measures, such as short-term insurance coverage. This will help employers to protect their employees who may face additional health risks in their jobs as businesses start to operate and return to normal before the public health situation is over.
“The pandemic crisis has also brought to light the conditions of construction workers’ housing. Our authorities through CIDB, Ministry of Works and Ministry of Human Resources have already in place regulations and standards on workers’ housing including the latest amendments
PAM President Ar. Lillian Tay.
passed last year to the Workers’ Minimum Standards of Housing & Amenities Act 1990 (Act 446),” said the PAM President.
“However, the recent issues on outbreaks in workers’ housing show there is a need for increased enforcement to ensure that such regulations are adhered to by their employers. These include the contractors or labour sub-contractors who are responsible for ensuring that construction workers are always properly housed and not just in the present COVID-19 pandemic,” she added.
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NEWS & EVENTS
Bentley Systems’ Acceleration Fund launches The Cohesive Companies, advancing infrastructure digital twins to improve asset performance
Bentley Systems, Incorporated, a leading global provider of comprehensive software and digital twins services for advancing the design, construction, and operations of infrastructure, recently announced that its Acceleration Fund has launched The Cohesive Companies, a wholly owned subsidiary, anchored by the acquisition of Atlanta-based Cohesive Solutions.
The new business venture will include the services team from Bentley’s AssetWise business and the offerings of Bentley, Cohesive, and IBM’s Maximo to support the digital transformation of infrastructure owner-operators. The Cohesive Companies will act as a digital integrator to help infrastructure asset owners upgrade their enterprise environments to leverage digital twins – digital representations and simulations of a physical asset, synchronizing digital context (current existing conditions), digital components (engineering content), and digital chronology (lifecycle change management). Infrastructure digital twins can empower asset operators with immersive visualization and analytics visibility to predict and optimize performance.
Cohesive Solutions is the largest North American reseller of IBM’s Maximo enterprise asset management (EAM) software. With a successful track record of delivering integrated EAM solutions for owner-operators in utilities, energy, and facilities sectors, Cohesive Solutions’ domain expertise and consulting capabilities can now be extended to advance EAM to infrastructure digital twins.
As digital integrators for infrastructure asset performance, The Cohesive Companies’ unique charter is the convergence, through digital twin cloud services, of digital engineering models (ET), with IT and OT, for infrastructure and facilities assets. Asset performance digital twins can provide continuous operational insights, enhanced through machine learning, for reliability, efficiency, compliance, safety, resilience and decision support to adaptively sustain and advance fitness for purpose. AT Systemization Bhd (ATS) has announced that it has signed a Share Sale Agreement (SSA) to acquire 100% of Pearl Glove (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd (PGSB), for an amount of RM22 million.
In a statement, it said the immediate outlook for Pearl Glove’s existing business, as a trusted and tested OEM/ODM manufacturer of safety gloves is extremely positive as the demand for the industrial safety gloves increases proportionately with improving workplace health and safety practices globally.
With the proposed acquisition, ATS said it intends to turn PGSB into a full-fledged medical grade nitrile examination gloves manufacturer, capable for producing up to 3 billion pieces of gloves, within 36 months.
Noah Eckhouse, SVP Bentley Systems, and CEO of The Cohesive Companies.
Noah Eckhouse, SVP Bentley Systems, and CEO, The Cohesive Companies, said, “Infrastructure asset owners know their success in going digital is based on both technology as well as experienced and dedicated resources for change management. I’m excited to fully meet the opportunity for asset performance digital twins with Bentley Acceleration Fund’s substantial commitment to this digital integrator venture.”
George Lowry, President, Cohesive Solutions, said, “The Bentley Acceleration Fund’s digital integrator initiative for advancing infrastructure – by combining world-class software with best practices consulting, in going digital for asset performance – completes the reach of our mission, from the start, at Cohesive Solutions. Our founders are delighted to now extend our scope, as a long-standing IBM Business Partner, to include advancing Maximo with Bentley’s digital twin cloud
AT Systemization acquires Pearl Glove Sdn Bhd for RM22 million
services.”
ATS also added that the current market conditions are extremely favourable for turnkey operators to begin new production lines to take advantage of spot prices of gloves. Excess demand provides new players with opportunities, with the top four producers’ supply lines booked solid into 2021.
“With ATS’ existing engineering facilities already primed for industrial automation systems, the synergies of the acquisition are manifold,” it added.
Increased health standards, workplace health and safety standards and a shift to more automated and precision style engineering for manufacturers will allow ATS to be fully exposed as a full-fledged participant.
SHARP Electronics (M) Sdn Bhd Managing Director (sixth from left) trying out Remote Fitness, one of SHARP’s Remote Life Solutions.
SHARP new remote life solutions, ecosystems to spur economic momentum
Sharp Electronics (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd (SHARP) sees great opportunity for its technology and solutions to aid the nation’s recovery. Evolving with present day needs, SHARP is determined to help users, in businesses, classrooms, and households, to embrace the new normal through an ecosystem of solutions, debuted at the SHARP Virtual Dealer Convention recently.
“Over the past few months, the whole world has been driven to adopt digital solutions faster than we’ve ever seen before. Given the current emphasis on seamless communication and safety of consumers as we embrace the ‘new normal’, the introduction of SHARP’s Remote Life concept this year is intentional and timely for smarter and connected environments in classrooms and offices,” explained Executive Managing Officer, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, ASEAN Business and Chairman, SHARP Electronics (M) Sdn Bhd, Robert Wu.
The new Remote Life concept comprises three solutions for three key areas namely, Remote Meeting for businesses, SHARP Remote Education Systems for classrooms and Remote Lifestyle for the general user or household to operate effectively and safely in the new normal.
To support the recovery of businesses within its dealer network, SHARP also took to opportunity to introduce its new e-commerce platform, eSHARP, at the virtual convention. Setting itself apart, SHARP developed eSHARP to drive revenue back to dealers.
“Our eSHARP platform represents a ‘second floor’ retail business concept for our customers to shop at and extend our authorised dealers’ physical store presence and compliment their business. Customers are assured of a secure online shopping experience and peace of mind knowing the quality of genuine
From left: SHARP Electronics (M) Sdn Bhd Managing Director, Ting Yang Chung, and Deputy Managing Director (Sales Division), Tok Sang Man, introducing eSHARP, the new e-commerce platform, at the virtual convention.
SHARP products from authorised dealers. This new business strategy will help our dealers gain online revenue and enhance customer engagement,” explained Wu.
The consumer electronics solutions giant also announced at the virtual convention its plans to debut a new product line-up including its signature BIG AQUOS TV range and home appliances this year. Determined to grow its market share, SHARP also highlighted its partnership with BACFREE® to introduce water products. The partnership will complement SHARP’s ‘Air of Confidence’ Solutions comprising of Air Purifiers, Air Conditioners and Air Cooler products fitted with Plasmacluster technology.
SHARP aims to retain its position as the no.1 Japanese brand in Malaysia. Its growth strategy for the future is supported by a strong market presence and SHARP plans to leverage further on business partnerships or co-branding of new businesses or products. These will diversify and expand the SHARP brand presence and portfolio to better serve the evolving needs of customers.
NEWS & EVENTS
Korea’s Dr Clo makes timely Malaysian debut
After selling out over 1.5 million units to households across Asia in 2019, Dr Clo has made its debut in Malaysia and is now available on the shelves of selected pharmacies and via e-commerce platforms.
An innovation from South Korea’s NON Corporation, these multi-purpose patented portable sterilisation devices are customised for use in various aspects of modern lifestyles. It is the only liquid-based Chlorine Dioxide product in the world certified by the US Food and Drug Agency (FDA). Chlorine Dioxide is a key agent to sterilise, sanitise and disinfect viruses and pathogens in a matter of seconds. The product has also been widely tested in both Korea and Japan and is registered as a safe product for use in the general living spaces.
Its debut in Malaysia is timely, given the heightened health and safety concerns both locally and globally as the COVID-19 pandemic has generated much interest and awareness among consumers worldwide and in Malaysia on the importance of cleaner air and environment.
Dr Clo’s range of sterilisation devices offers all-in-one solution that is carcinogen-free and contains non-toxic material, while acting as a potent formula and preventive measure against viruses, bacteria and pathogens. Yet, it is harmless to infants, the sick and the elderly alike.
The easy-to-use Dr Clo sterilisation device just requires the user to hold both ends of the sterilisation device and bend it once to break the capsule inside. The indicator will turn yellow within 12-24 hours once activated. It is then mounted at the desired
Keep food fresh, Dr. Clo can!
Suppresses the growth of moulds and extends food freshness. No carcinogens, safe to store with food.
Refrigerated for 10 days
Dr. Clo in use not in use
Refrigerated for 45 days
Dr. Clo in use not in use
Dr Clo sterilisation devices are available in four variants for home, bathroom, refrigerator and car.
location using the suction holder provided. The device can be used for up to 50 days and then can be replaced with a new one.
Dr Clo sterilisation devices are available in four different variants – Home, Bathroom, Refrigerator and Car.
The Home variant is ideal for living spaces or even office spaces since it sterilises space and eliminate odours generated from food waste, mould and smoking. It is also handy for use in shelves, closets and in shoe cabinets to secure an odour-free storage space.
Meanwhile, the Bathroom variant has been specifically designed for use in humid and wet bathrooms and showers.
The Refrigerator variant can be used both for refrigerators and chillers to seal in freshness of food and drinks stored there as well as ensure bacteria-free storage space for longer periods, while eliminating unpleasant odours.
The Car variant, which can withstand heat, is available for vehicles as it sterilises the vehicle’s interior, while removing any odour generated through the air-conditioner. Malaysians can now certainly look forward to a revolution in personal sterilisation, disinfection and deodorisation that is safe and effective in protecting the family’s personal space and lifestyle.
