A round up of events and happenings within the industry

Young designers embark on experiential journey with AYDA 2021

Another exciting year beckons for budding architects and interior designers as they embark on an experiential journey with the Asia Young Designers Awards (AYDA 2021) that has returned for the 14th year running.

Billed the premier and leading young architectural and interior design awards, AYDA was organised by Nippon Paint Malaysia in 2008 with the vision to nurture the next generation of young designers through cross-learning experience and networking with industry professionals, while providing them a platform to showcase their work and realize their fullest potential.

This year’s theme “FORWARD: Amplifying Empathy Through Design” aims to challenge the next generation of architects and interior designers to grow beyond designing one-dimensional spaces and to incorporate the evolving demands of consumers, while factoring in critical factors such as sustainability and environmental care.

Each year, AYDA’s theme and programme is carefully selected and curated by Nippon Paint’s AYDA team that works closely with an advisory panel comprising of industry experts that analyses design trends and consumer needs to ensure that young designers are equipped with the skills and knowledge to prepare them for their professional journey.

“In our vision to nurture young designers to elevate the standards of the design community, we want to walk with the next generation to be the best versions of themselves and to inculcate empathy in each of their designs. We hope that through our diligently designed programme for AYDA 2021, young talents in the design industry will continue to challenge themselves and strive to produce designs that are not only aesthetically pleasing but to give birth to ideas that could potentially impact the future of humanity”, said Mr Yaw Seng Heng, Group Managing Director of Nippon Paint Malaysia Group during the theme launch of AYDA 2021.

Over the years, AYDA has evolved from being an award platform into a global design community comprising of industry experts and over 1,200 tertiary educational institutions across 16 geographical locations, impacting over 100,000 student designers by allowing them the exposure and real-life learning experience through networking.

During the launch, guests also had the opportunity to connect with Chief Judges Ar Sarly Adre Sarkum (Architecture Category) and IDr Ooi Boon Seong (Interior Design Category), and guest speakers Ar Alif Arif Iskandar Abd Wahab from VERITAS Design Group and Mr Blaine Robert from Blaine Robert Sdn Bhd.

AYDA 2021 is now open for registration. Deadline for submissions is 15 October 2021. For more information, please visit https://www.asiayoungdesignerawards.com.my or Facebook page @AYDAMalaysia.

Top, from left: TPr Hj Ihsan Zainal Mokhtar (Chairman of City Expo Malaysia 2021), and Mr Imran Clyde (Director of City Expo Malaysia 2021); Bottom, from left: Datin TPr Noraida Saludin (President of the Malaysian Institute of Planners, MIP), and Datuk Seri Paduka Maimunah (Head Executive Director of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme, UN – Habitat).

City Expo Malaysia 2021 sets to drive deep conversations on what makes for great cities

The City Expo Malaysia (CEM) 2021 sets to drive the debate around our cities, inviting various stakeholders to share their ideas and solutions to combat the challenges brought about by urbanisation and the pandemic.

CEM 2021 is jointly organised by the Malaysian Institute of Planners (MIP) and Nextdor Property Communications, with the support of Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT), PLANMalaysia (Federal Department of Town and Country Planning), and the Commonwealth Association of Planners (CAP). Hosted on a fully virtual platform from 8 November to 8 December 2021, the expo will have a packed programme comprising talks and conferences as well as a month-long exhibition with virtual booths and various side events. CEM 2021 aims to shine a spotlight on the role of urban planners, as represented by those in the Malaysian Institute of Planners in the country, and their counterparts from the region.

“The esteemed profession of planning helps us to chart a course for our cities in the delicate balance between functional efficiency and social equity. In this regard, few entities have done more to continuously advance collective knowledge, shared experience, and cooperation in Malaysia than the Malaysian Institute of Planners,” said Datuk Seri Maimunah Mohd Sharif, Executive Director of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), during the soft launch of CEM 2021 held on 25 August 2021.

In her speech, Maimunah highlighted that Malaysia is one of the most urbanised countries in Asia, experiencing significant cumulative growth in the last two decades transforming the country from 34% urban in 1980 with estimates of growing to 80% by 2030. Therefore, this year is a good time for a critical review of the business of town planning as formal town planning in Malaysia hits its first century.

“As planners and more broadly a planning community, we strive to help others make sense of their socio-political environments by offering better, clearer and stronger conceptions of what lies ahead. In turn, our predictive work and recommendations give cause to new and more progressive city policy and legislation,” she added. Mr Imran Clyde, Director of City Expo Malaysia, said the experience with the pandemic has shown that a lot more thought needs to be put in to ensure our cities and townships become truly liveable.

“This means, there will be a lot of eyeballs on CEM 2021 as people try to reimagine a post-pandemic urban environment. But placemaking is way more than just ensuring the allocation of open space, as effort and thought must be put in to make sure the space is inviting and welcoming.”

PM calls to redefine sustainability at Virtual IGEM 2021

The International Greentech & Eco Products Exhibition & Conference Malaysia (IGEM) returns for its 12th edition. It is South East Asia’s largest trade event for green technologies and ecosolutions.

Organised by the Ministry of Environment and Water (KASA) and co-organised by the Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Change Centre (MGTC), IGEM 2021 is being held virtually for the second consecutive year on www.virtual.igem.my. Themed “Redefining Sustainability”, the prominent event expects 300 exhibitor booths from 50 countries and 30,000 registered visitors over the six-month duration, and sets to achieve a target of RM5 billion in business leads to spur the country’s green economy.

IGEM 2021 was officiated by Malaysia’s Prime Minister YAB Tan Sri Dato’ Haji Muhyiddin Bin Haji Mohd Yassin on 22 July 2021. In his virtual keynote address, YAB Tan Sri Dato’ Haji Muhyiddin said, “The unprecedented and rapid changes due to the pandemic has indeed forced us to continuously realign the sustainability aspect that has impacted many parts of our lives. As we wade through the pandemic, I would like to re-emphasize that we should not lose sight of the challenges that climate change poses. Climate change is showing signs that could have long-lasting impact and threats on social well-being, economic development and global health.”

“Redefining Sustainability” has been picked as the theme for IGEM 2021 where the focus is on climate change and green technology amid addressing the impacts of COVID-19 pandemic. We need to find ways collectively to pursue economic and social well-being in an environmental-friendly manner. I believe IGEM fits such purpose as an important catalyst to chart our way forward,” he added.

With a specific thematic monthly approach encompassing various areas within the sustainability sector such as Green Technology, Water, Climate Change & Environment, Sustainability, Green Financing and Energy & E-Mobility, IGEM 2021 will be hosting more than 100 conference sessions, webinars, and pocket talks, in addition to launches and signing of Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs).

In the upcoming weeks, IGEM 2021 will be organising several key events, including the launch of Green Pages Malaysia 6th Edition: Green Products, Green Technology by the Malaysia Green Building Council (malaysiaGBC), as well as a Roundtable on Advancing Malaysia’s Green and Circular Economy by Capital Markets Malaysia (CM2).

MGTC will also be hosting two signature events; the first one is the International Hydrogen Economy Forum and Strategic Lab from 27 - 30 July 2021 to explore the potential role of hydrogen in the country’s energy mix, which international panelists and local experts will lead.

The second event is the Convention on Promotion of Energy Sustainability Best Practices (COPE-BEST 2021) with University Technology Malaysia (UTM), held from 28 - 29 July 2021. It is an event endorsing best practices and innovation related to energy sustainability, energy efficiency and conservation.

From left: Mr Imran Clyde (Director of City Expo Malaysia 2021) and Datuk Mohd Zarif Mohd Hashim (CEO of MRT Corporation) during the CEM Star Talk session.

MRT Corp invites city stakeholders to drive transformation of rail

Rail transit should act as a ‘backhaul’ for public transportation, providing integrated links for multimodal transport options especially in first and last mile connectivity, and this needs to be a critical focus area especially amongst town planners, local authorities and other city stakeholders, said MRT Corporation Chief Executive Officer Datuk Mohd Zarif Mohd Hashim.

During his talk at the City Expo Malaysia’s (CEM 2021) Star Talk series held on 24 September 2021, Datuk Zarif said the MRT Line 3 would complete the transport masterplan for the Klang Valley, connecting the eight different radial lines, delivering passengers in a more efficient manner.

The CEM Star Talk, which acts as a lead-up to the City Expo Malaysia on 8 November 2021, is a series of conversations with city leaders and key stakeholders to share ideas and solutions on pressing issues affecting cities. CEM 2021 is jointly orgnised by the Malaysian Institute of Planners (MIP) and Nextdor Property Communications.

Datuk Zarif said: “There is a strategy to transform public transportation and it relies on the liberalisation of information and engagement with stakeholders to build a digital ecosystem around transportation. This could in the form of apps and artificial intelligence engines to make transportation more efficient, cheaper and better”.

To achieve this vision, there is a need for city stakeholders such as town planners, local authorities and even property developers to adopt a more forward-thinking approach to support Greater Kuala Lumpur’s transportation infrastructure. This starts from greater collaboration at the planning stages in local structure plans, the implementation of transportation masterplans and management of connectivity assets such as walkways and bus stops. Financing was also an important consideration.

He said, “Funding for public transport infrastructure cannot be solely the government’s responsibility. There needs to be a symbiotic relationship with city stakeholders especially those who have benefited from value capture from public transportation infrastructure. MRT Corp has thus developed a hybrid approach to help achieve this”.

Zarif added that by taking a people-first approach, focus should also be given to public convenience as first and last mile connectivity is important and should integrate or feed into metro rail lines. This includes looking at improvements to walkability, bus networks, access to car-sharing, ride-hailing and even private mobility vehicles (PMVs).

The MRT Line 3 is a proposed circle rail transit line that includes a subway line in the Klang Valley area. Once it is completed, the 52.31km rail line with 33 stations would connect to the other rail networks, providing an almost seamless opportunity for intra and intercity travel.

MTC gives RM1.3 million for timber industry’s vaccination programme

The Malaysian Timber Council (MTC) has allocated RM1.3 million to expedite mass vaccination among workers from the timberbased sector through the industrial vaccination programme.

The Council, which has set up its vaccination centre in Olak Lempit, Banting, Selangor, for this purpose and has successfully vaccinated 10,005 workers for the first dose as of 16 August 2021.

The Vaccination Programme for the Agricommodity Sector (VACOMS) at PPVIN@Olak Lempit began vaccinating factory workers on 28 July 2021 and will cease operations on 6 September 2021. The Council will engage with the respective timber associations or companies in other states to provide the subsidies they need to enable mass vaccination to curb workplace clusters in factories.

MTC Chief Executive Officer Tuan Muhtar Suhaili said: “COVID-19 is going to become an endemic and we need to create workplaces that are safe for us to operate in for business continuity. MTC will provide a subsidy of RM30 per vaccine for each factory worker.”

The timber industry is extremely collective in its measures towards mass vaccination, as it had suffered losses amounting to RM60 million daily in June due to the lockdowns.

To revive operations in line with the current government directive, which stipulates the percentage of work force in a factory to be dependent on the number of vaccinated employees, business owners are proactively ensuring that their workers get vaccinated as quickly as possible.

The Muar Furniture Association (MFA) is conducting a similar vaccination programme where an estimated 30,000 factory workers will be vaccinated.

MTC CEO Tuan Muhtar Suhaili (third from right) with MTC staff at the Olak Lempit vaccination centre.

IM Group’s foundation chair exhibits sculptures of unity to give global hope and support children in need

Malaysian-born artist Alice Chang Guerra, owner of Lai Lai Art Studio and Chair of IM GROUP Foundation, has revealed her latest artwork and initiative: “The Three Graces of Malaysia” to coincide with Malaysia’s 64th year of independence and to raise funds for children in need.

The three two-metre-high sculptures, currently on show in an exhibition – with fellow artist Datuk Luciano Mirri at Kuala Lumpur’s Four Points Hotel by Sheraton – are currently on sale. All proceeds will go through IM GROUP Foundation, which is currently fundraising for autistic children in Malaysia.

Inspired by Antonio Canova’s neoclassical 19th century marble sculpture, “The Three Graces”, Guerra explained she was attracted to the story of the three daughters of Zeus, who were professed to be able to grant humanity with gifts: Euphrosyne (mirth), Aglaia (elegance) and Thalia (youth and beauty). “I felt a connection that evolved strongly in me to produce a very personal work as a woman; as a sister, daughter and mother – able to grant more than mirth, elegance and beauty but to represent strength, courage and determination – the mother of a nation, if not the world, who carries the generations to come,” specified Guerra. “The 3 Graces of Malaysia – Siti, Ah Lian and Shanti – represent the women of our nation tied by the harmony, cultural and racial diversity of our country.”

The art works, made from cement and recycled pieces of broken ceramics, symbolically carry a powerful message of global hope, as Alice explained “…the pandemic has had a tremendous impact on everyone at a psychological and professional level. The Three Malaysia Graces show that even from broken pieces, we can rebuild a beautiful tomorrow.”

The recently rebranded IM GROUP (previously Inkmaker Group) which, with its combined strength of brands: Inkmaker, Rexson, Vale-tech, Swesa, Teko and Tecnopails offers total process-engineering solutions – within the industries of paint, coatings, ink, speciality-chemicals, adhesives, corrugated packaging, food packaging, pharma, cosmetic, textiles and more – has a host of initiatives and activities, planned by IM GROUP Foundation for 2021, of working within the communities where it operates globally.

NEA 2021 recognises outstanding achievements in sustainable energy

The National Energy Awards (NEA) returns for the fourth consecutive year to recognise 29 local industry players with exceptional achievements in the field of renewable energy (RE) and energy efficiency (EE). The winners of NEA 2021 were announced virtually by the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources (KeTSA) on 11 September 2021.

Eight organisations were selected as winners for Best Practices in Energy Management, six for Energy Efficient Buildings, and 11 for Best Renewable Energy Projects. In addition, three special awards were given for Best Practices in Energy Performance Contracting, Best Sustainable Practices by Institutions of Higher Learning, and Best Sustainable Financing. The winners of NEA 2021 will represent Malaysia at the ASEAN Energy Awards (AEA) 2021, Southeast Asia’s highest award for excellence in the field of energy. The recipients of AEA 2021 will be announced in mid-September 2021, in conjunction with the 39th ASEAN Ministers on Energy Meeting (AMEM).

In his address, Datuk Seri Takiyuddin said, “NEA was launched in 2018 as a strategic endeavour to recognise the achievements and best practices of local entities, in embracing sustainable energy initiatives as an effort to reduce the carbon footprints within the energy sector. NEA is instrumental in identifying the best energy efficiency (EE) practices and renewable energy (RE) initiatives by Malaysian establishments and organisations. The winners are selected after a thorough and vigorous evaluation process to ensure that only the best are selected as winners and to represent Malaysia at the ASEAN Energy Awards.”

“Over the past three years, 69 organisations have represented Malaysia at the ASEAN Energy Awards and more than 40 of them have emerged as winners in different categories. These achievements augur well with our aspirations to be the leader of sustainable energy in ASEAN,” he added.

For the complete list of NEA 2021 winners and more information about the prestigious award, please visit: www.nationalenergyawards.com.my

(Source: blog.csiro.au)

The Circulate Initiative launches open-sourced plastic waste climate impact calculator

The Circulate Initiative, a non-profit organization committed to solving the ocean plastic pollution challenge, has announced on 8 September 2021 the launch of PLACES – Plastic Lifecycle Assessment Calculator for the Environment and Society, the first tool of its kind offering the ability to assess the climate impact of current waste management practices in Asia, from open burning to recycling.

The Circulate Initiative developed the tool based on the findings of a paper published by Circulate Capital and the Singapore Institute of Manufacturing Technology (SIMTech), a unit of Singapore’s Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR). The Circulate Initiative’s open-sourced prototype calculator tracks the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reductions, energy and water savings of waste management and recycling solutions that prevent plastic pollution in India and Indonesia.

“Our ambition for PLACES is to be a catalyst for investment and positive change, and serve as the first port of call for stakeholders looking to scale solutions that prevent plastic pollution in emerging countries for the benefit of the environment, society and economy. This innovative calculator supplies the critical data needed by decision-makers to showcase how improved waste management and plastic recycling practices contribute to fighting climate change,” said Ellen Martin, Director of Impact and Insights at The Circulate Initiative.

With mounting pressure to limit global warming to 1.5°C as urged in the 2021 Sixth Assessment Report from the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, countries are calling on emerging economies like India and Indonesia to drastically curb emissions. Plastic waste pollution contributes to climate change, while transitioning to a circular economy can reduce GHG emissions globally by 10 billion tonnes a year by 2050. Using the underlying analysis behind the tool, Circulate Capital found almost 150 million tonnes of GHG would be avoided if 100% of plastic leakage in India and Indonesia was prevented by 20301 . This is equivalent to shutting down 40 coal-fired power plants.

To calculate the impacts of recycling, users simply input factors including plastic type, tonnes of plastic waste diverted and end-of-life fates for either India or Indonesia. PLACES is based on assumptions made with the data available on the current waste management systems in India and in Indonesia, and the model is designed to be refined as more up-to-date data becomes available. The Circulate Initiative is currently exploring plans to expand the tool to include more countries in Southeast Asia to enable decision-makers across the region to have access to locally relevant data that more accurately recognizes the impacts of improving plastic waste management.

Construction consulting firms allowed to operate in Phase 1 & 2 of National Recovery Plan (PPN)

(Source: Reuters via ft.com)

Construction sector consulting companies in Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the National Recovery Plan (PPN) are allowed to resume operations from 24 August 2021.

The Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB), in a statement dated 25 August 2021, said the permission applies for consulting services like architecture, engineering, quantity surveying and other related services. However, these companies must comply with the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) as well as other applicable conditions, regulations and SOPs that are currently in force.

The permission to resume operations is only given to consulting companies located in areas under Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the PPN. These companies can submit their applications through the Ministry of International Trade and Industry’s (MITI) COVID-19 Intelligent Management System (CIMS) at https://notification.miti.gov.my/, under the Construction cluster by choosing among the sectors listed below: • Sector 27: Professional or consultancy services related to the types of work permitted; • Sector 32: Office operations; • Sector 33: Other construction works/activities not listed in

Sector 1-32. This sector is allowed to operate based on the declaration of employee vaccination rates.

All industry players who have been approved to resume operations must comply with the SOPs. CIDB Malaysia said it has the authority to shut down construction sites found to be in breach of the provisions under Act 520 or any other laws, including Act 342 (Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988) and Act 446 (Workers’ Minimum Standards of Housing and Amenities Act 1990).

(Source: solarvest.my)

Solarvest inks 50MW solar power purchase deal with TNB

Clean energy specialist, Solarvest Holdings Berhad has signed power purchase agreements (PPA) with Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) for the sale of electricity from its three shortlisted largescale solar (LSS) plants under the LSS@Mentari programme.

The signing of the contract officiates the 21-year solar electricity deal, whereby TNB will be the off-taker of the electricity generated by Solarvest’s LSS plants across two states with a cumulative capacity of 50 megawatts (MW). Two of the solar farms will be based in Manjung, Perak with capacities of 25MW and 12MW respectively, followed by a 13MW solar farm to be constructed in Kuala Selangor.

Solarvest will bankroll the development projects with a combination of funds raised from corporate exercise and external borrowings. Upon the signing of the PPA, the Group plans to obtain financing and the necessary approvals by the end of 2021. Construction activities for the solar plants are expected to commence in early 2022. The three plants are scheduled to begin commercial operation between 2022 and 2023.

Group Chief Executive Officer of Solarvest, Mr Davis Chong Chun Shiong said: “Upon the commencement of operations, the positive contribution from these solar plants will enlarge our recurring earnings stream from financial year end 2023 onwards, complementing our project-based business model. This is a significant step in our quest to build new revenue streams that will give the Group consistent and stable cashflows over a long term, thus enhancing our earnings visibility and returns to shareholders,” he concluded.

Bamboo tree planting ceremony held in conjunction with World Bamboo Day and Malaysia at FIDEC in Banting, Selangor.

National Bamboo Industry Development Action Plan 2021-2030 launched to boost exports

The National Bamboo Industry Development Action Plan 2021-2030 has been launched as a continuation of the 2011-2020 plan to boost the exports of Malaysia’s bamboo and bamboo-based products.

The action plan, launched in conjunction of the World Bamboo Day 2021 (WBD 2021), serves to strengthen Malaysia’s direction as a producer of bamboo and bamboo -based products for export to China, Indonesia, Thailand and around the world.

Bamboo is an important non-wood resource that also contributes to the country’s export earnings. There are about 70 species of bamboo in Malaysia, of which 45 grow naturally in primary and secondary forests. In terms of cultivation distribution, 31% of bamboo crops are found in Peninsular Malaysia with an area of 229,123 hectares, 45% in Sarawak and 24% in Sabah. The export value of bamboo products in 2020 is RM8.28 million; the recorded number is relatively small when compared with the size of the global bamboo market.

Currently, there are 577 entrepreneurs in the bamboo-based industry covering bamboo boards, furniture, construction, textiles, plantations, food and charcoal as well as handicrafts. Most of them are small and medium industries located close to areas that have abundant bamboo resources.

The Ministry of Plantation Industries and Commodities (KPPK), through the Malaysian Timber Industry Board (MTIB), will continue to provide soft loans for bamboo cultivation under the Forest Plantation Development Programme (PPLH) to ensure a continuous supply of bamboo resources. Under the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP), the Bamboo Community Farming programme has also started since the beginning of this year until 2025.

World Bamboo Day 2021 marked the 10th consecutive year of Malaysia’s participation in the global celebration. The WBD 2021 celebration was held virtually on 20 September 2021 and was officiated by YB Datuk Hajah Zuraida Kamaruddin, Minister of Plantation Industries and Commodities.

Despite the current situation of the COVID-19 pandemic, various programmes and activities were planned throughout September including a colouring competition for primary school students and a 5km virtual run.

Additionally, a programme to plant 100 bamboos simultaneously throughout the country was held in conjunction with Malaysia Day on 16 September 2021. The event was broadcast live via WBD 2021 social media. The Malaysian Bamboo Industry Preservation Forum 2021 and two series of webinars related to the Use of Bamboo in the Construction Industry and Bamboo Plantation will also be held to attract more public interest on the potential of bamboo cultivation in Malaysia.

YB Datuk Hajah Zuraida Kamaruddin (Minister of Plantation Industries and Commodities) officiates the opening ceremony of World Bamboo Day Malaysia Celebration Programme 2021 and the launch of the National Bamboo Industry Development Plan (2021-2030).

NIKKA City Sentral ticks all the right boxes, from location to connectivity to affordability

Emerging transit-friendly development NIKKA City Sentral, by Kirana Kemajuan Sdn Bhd, is now more accessible than ever as it has partnered with Maybank Islamic to offer the HouzKEY financing facility.

HouzKEY is an alternative home ownership solution to assist first and second home Malaysian buyers in owning their dream homes, with homebuyers enjoying 100% financing and no down payment required. It offers financing at the lowest monthly rate from only RM1,100 per month for the first five years, plus the option to settle early by refinancing, sell it over to 3rd party buyer or continue with the HouzKEY arrangement, one year after Vacant Possession.

“We are delighted to work with Maybank Islamic as it allows Malaysians more choices when it comes to securing a home at NIKKA City Sentral. With homes at NIKKA City Sentral starting from just RM499,356, all home buyers are especially encouraged to take advantage of the government’s extended Home Ownership Campaign (HOC) as they may also benefit from stamp duty exemptions and MOT waivers,” said Mr Lee Tuan Khoon, Director of Kirana Kemajuan Sdn Bhd.

Managing Director of Maybank’s Real Estate Ventures Ms Sally Lye said: “Malaysia’s population is still growing and that implies houses will be needed. We believe there will be continued demand for quality housing as the property market sentiment improves so we are pleased to partner with Kirana Kemajuan to offer NIKKA City Sentral under our HouzKEY homeownership solution”.

Located at Bandar Sri Permaisuri, Cheras, NIKKA City Sentral is planned as a high-rise low-density condominium with just 223 units with sizes ranging from 965 - 1,264 sq ft. The units are available in layouts of either four or five bedrooms and three bathrooms in dual-key arrangements. Additionally, all units come ready with smart home systems that include a digital lock for the main door to each unit, which will work even without wifi to minimise the possibility of hacking.

At NIKKA City Sentral, there are several dozen activity spaces to keep those with active lifestyles occupied, with facilities available include an elevated jogging track that spans the Hyper Deck, an indoor boxing deck, an outdoor Ultra Park as well as Panora-Bar and Sky Kitchen designed for rooftop gatherings.

NIKKA City Sentral boasts superb connectivity with Klang Valley’s rail network as it is only 50m away from the Salak Selatan LRT station, and within walking distance from the KTM Salak Selatan station. There is also room for capital appreciation as the Salak Selatan LRT station has been widely speculated as an interchange between the Sri Petaling LRT and the upcoming MRT3 or Circle Line.

Mr Lee Tuan Khoon (Director of Kirana Kemajuan Sdn Bhd) recently announced that NIKKA City Sentral is working with Maybank Islamic to offer homebuyers homeownership financing solution under HouzKEY.

IM GROUP wins award for “Best Industrial Tinting System” in Brazil

The recently rebranded IM GROUP (formerly Inkmaker Group) has won the prestigious Sistemas Tintométricos Equipmentos Industriais (Industrial Tinting Equipment Systems) award at the 25th Premio Paint & Pintura award ceremony.

The yearly event, voted by the people of Brazil, is widely recognised across Latin America as the “Oscars” of the Brazilian paint sector. The win makes it the eighth consecutive year that this category has been won by IM GROUP.

The award ceremony broadcast on YouTube directly from the Croata space, 301 in Lapa, São Paulo. It was presented by master of ceremony Dani Reis, and the CEO of Paint & Pintura, Agnelo De Barros Neto. Winners for all 53 categories were nominated by invited executives from the paint industries and sector entities from all over Brazil, who entered via live link. Among them was Luiz Antônio Piva Filho, Marketing Director of Sherwin-Williams, who announced IM GROUP as the winner of the Industrial Tinting Equipment Systems.

“It is an extreme honour for us to receive this award, for the eighth successive year and we would particularly like to thank all voters for their continued support. A big thank you also to Agnelo De Barros Neto, Lucélia Monfardini, Erica Brandão and all the team at Paint & Pintura for all their hard work, in making this much-anticipated industry event such a professional success,” said Fernando Sano Itaziki, Area Sales Manager, Inkmaker, who together with Luis Henrique, runs the IM GROUP operations in Latin America.

IM GROUP, who made global headlines in April this year when they rebranded from their previous name of Inkmaker Group, has been a trusted brand in the Brazilian market for over two decades and through its investments has grown to achieve market dominance throughout Latin America.

“This is a momentous achievement for IM GROUP, and we thank the people of Brazil for this recognition and loyalty. Their votes have once again confirmed our leading position in the industrial tinting systems in the South American market. Our group carries a new name now, yet we continue to uphold the trusted service of quality that defines us through our credo “The Colour of Trust”, which our audience has always associated with the Inkmaker brand,” said Christophe Rizzo, CEO EMEA / Americas, Inkmaker Group.