Endeavour Magazine January 2019 by Littlegate Publishing

JANUARY 2019

www.endeavourmagazine.com

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LAKE TURKANA WIND POWER Winds Of Change INDOGUNA Celebrating 25 Years

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EDITOR’S NOTE Heads of Departments Managing Editor Alice Instone-Brewer editor@littlegatepublishing.com Sales Director Alex Hilling-Smith alexsmith@littlegatepublishing.com Sales Manager Emlyn Freeman emlynfreeman@littlegatepublishing.com Head of Editorial Research Paul Bradley paulbradley@littlegatepublishing.com Project Manager Steven Weller steveweller@littlegatepublishing.com Editorial Researcher James Lapping james@littlegatepublishing.com Editorial Researcher Will Girling willgirling@littlegatepublishing.com Editorial Researcher Alex Hayes alexhayes@littlegatepublishing.com

s 2018 comes to a close and we

Of course, our Amazing World team

strive into the New Year, it is a

couldn’t start a New Year without examining

perfect time to look to the future

what this time can mean for people. From

and to celebrate the projects that are

examining global traditions to digging into

Editorial Researcher Dennis Morales dennismorales@littlegatepublishing.com

carrying us forwards positively into 2019.

why January the 1st was selected to mark

Therefore, we were delighted to finally be

the ‘New Year’ for many in the first place,

Editorial Researcher David Kimberley david@littlegatepublishing.com

able to cover the Lake Turkana Wind Power

we hope there’s at least something new for

project, the largest investment by the

everyone to learn about this unique time.

Corporate Director Anthony Letchumaman anthonyl@littlegatepublishing.com

Kenyan government to date. This impressive

Settle down, enjoy, and, of course, Happy

Lead Designer Alina Sandu studio@littlegatepublishing.com

been in the pipeline since 2006, and finally

Publisher Stephen Warman stevewarman@littlegatepublishing.com

will be able to begin to see the benefits of

For enquiries or subscriptions contact info@littlegatepublishing.com +44 1603 296 100

should both clean up a large portion of

ENDEAVOUR MAGAZINE is published by Littlegate Publishing LTD which is a Registered Company in the United Kingdom. Company Registration: 07657236 VAT registration number: 116 776007 343 City Road Suite 10, Thorpe House London 79 Thorpe Road EC1 V1LR Norwich, NR1 1UA

day Kenyans. On top of that, they already

project represents a vast wind farm that has went into commission last year. Now, Kenya

Kenya’s energy sector, safeguard it for the future, and lower energy prices for everyhave multiple initiatives in place for helping the local area, so there are many reasons to be excited! As well as looking forwards, it is a time to look back, and this year, our car review team got together to reminisce on all of the automotive treats they played with in 2018,

responsibility for omissions or errors. The points

and between them, they voted for their

writers and/or in advertisements included in this

ultimate Top 3. Which three do you think it

magazine do not necessarily represent those of

will be? Some of the choices might surprise

the publisher. Any resemblance to real persons,

you.

living or dead is purely coincidental. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of

With

the information contained within this magazine,

celebrations still ringing in our heads, we

no legal responsibility will be accepted by the publishers for loss arising from use of information

our

December

and

New Year

couldn’t resist also speaking with Tong Woh

Enterprises, the Malaysian wine merchants.

publication may be reproduced or stored in a

If you can still stomach a description of

retrievable system or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written consent of

ALICE INSTONE-BREWER

this source of sustainable energy, which

Littlegate Publishing Ltd does not accept of view expressed in articles by attributing

New Year!

their beautiful beverages without having

the publisher.

flashbacks to festive hangovers, then be

sure to check them out. Endeavour Magazine | 3

CONTENTS

BEYTI EGYPT FEATURES

UNITED ARAB BANK 4 | Endeavour Magazine

14 Lucara Botswana (Pty) Ltd A Dazzling Business Model 24 Building Defence Systems Securing The Future 30 Beyti Egypt “Quality In Everything” 38 Tong Woh Enterprise SDN BHD The Taste Of Quality 44 United Arab Bank A Team To Bank On 52 OSM Aviation Ahead In The Clouds 58 Indoguna Celebrating 25 Years 66 Lake Turkana Wind Power Winds Of Change 78 AZMET Technology & Projects Changing The Game 86 SOL Guyana Ready For New Opportunities

INDOGUNA ARTICLES 6 7 8 10 11

Business Headlines Asia Europe Africa Middle East America

36 50 84

Amazing World Cremation of Cares: A Panamanian Tradition Celebrating New Year with a Bang! A Brief History of New Years

Automotives Our Top 3 Drives from 2018

LAKE TURKANA WIND POWER Endeavour Magazine | 5

BUSINESS HEADLINES ASIA VANUATU USES DRONES TO DELIVER VACCINES TO REMOTE ISLAND

Commercial whaling was banned by the

However,

has

over

the

years

IWC in 1986 after some whales were driven

repeatedly taken action against religious

almost to extinction. For many years Japan

leaders it considers to be threatening to

A baby on a small Pacific island has

has hunted whales for what it calls “scientific

its authority or to the stability of the state,

become the first person given a vaccine

research” and to sell the meat, a programme

which, according to Human Rights Watch,

delivered by a commercial drone.

widely criticised by conservationists.

“makes a mockery of the government’s claim

Unicef arranged for the drone to be

The Japanese government is expected

flown 25 miles across rugged mountains in

to cite the recovery of certain whale species

China is also facing growing criticism

Vanuatu that otherwise take hours to cross.

as justification for the move, although it’s

over its persecution of some Muslim

About 20% of children in Vanuatu don’t

thought to be considering whaling only in its

minority groups, huge numbers of whom are

own waters.

allegedly being held in internment camps.

receive important vaccinations because the

that it respects religious beliefs”.

supply is too difficult. The UN children’s

Officials in Japan say eating whales is part

In August 2018, a UN committee heard

organisation hopes that drone delivery will

of its culture. Despite Japanese media widely

that up to one million Uighur Muslims

in future be of vital importance in remote

reporting the decision has been taken, there

and other Muslim groups could be being

areas. “Today’s small flight by drone is a

has been no official announcement yet.

detained in the western Xinjiang region,

big leap for global health,” Unicef executive director Henrietta Fore said.

Hideki Moronuki, from the Fisheries Agency of Japan, told the BBC that Japan

“With the world still struggling to immunize the hardest to reach children,

was considering every possible option but has “not yet come up with a decision”.

drone technologies can be a game changer for bridging that last mile to reach every

where they’re said to be undergoing “reeducation” programmes.

NEW ZEALAND TO HOLD CANNABIS REFERENDUM IN 2020

child.” While drones have been used before

New Zealanders will vote on legalising

to deliver medicine, Unicef says this was

recreational cannabis in a referendum during

the first time globally that a country had

the 2020 general election, the country’s

contracted a commercial drone company to

justice minister said. A vote was promised by

get vaccines to remote areas.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern’s Labour Party

Two companies competed for the project

last year during cross-party talks, which

on Vanuatu, and it was Australia’s Swoop

helped to form a coalition government.

Aero that won the bid after successful trials

It comes a week after lawmakers gave

earlier this month. Its

drone

carried

medicinal cannabis the green light. the vaccines

a styrofoam box with ice packs and a temperature logger to a remote village on the island of Erromango, from Dillon’s Bay

CHINA’S PRE-CHRISTMAS CHURCH CRACKDOWN RAISES ALARM

An opinion poll last year suggested two thirds of New Zealanders favoured legalisation. “We know when it will be, we have a commitment that it will be binding,

on the west of the island to Cook’s Bay on

A recent surge of police action against

and now it is just a question on filling in

the east. The medicine was then used by

churches in China has raised concerns the

the detail from there,” said Justice Minister

local nurse Miriam Nampil to vaccinate 13

government is getting even tougher on

Andrew Little, following a decision by the

children and five pregnant women

unsanctioned Christian activity.

country’s cabinet.

JAPAN ‘TO LEAVE WHALING COMMISSION TO RESUME HUNTING’ Japan plans to leave the International Whaling Commission (IWC) to resume commercial hunting, media reports say. The government told its MPs of the decision. As yet, there has been no official confirmation of the move. 6 | Endeavour Magazine

Among those arrested are a prominent

New Zealand’s left-wing Labour Party is

pastor and his wife, of the Early Rain

part of a three-way coalition government,

Covenant Church in Sichuan. Both have

with the centrist Green Party and populists

been charged with state subversion.

New Zealand First (NZF). The partnership

Dozens of police raided a children’s Bible class at Rongguili Church in Guangzhou. One Christian in Chengdu told the BBC: “I’m lucky they haven’t found me yet.” China is officially atheist, though says it allows religious freedom.

was formed after inconclusive elections last year led to a hung parliament. However, the NZF leader Simon Bridges called the vote was a “cynical” move to distract voters from other issues around the general election.

EUROPE HACKERS SUCCESSFULLY TARGETED THE EUROPEAN UNION’S DIPLOMATIC COMMUNICATIONS OVER SEVERAL YEARS According to the New York Times, thousands of messages were intercepted in which diplomats referenced a range of subjects from US President Donald Trump to global trade. The breach was reportedly discovered by the cyber-security company Area 1.

potentially expensive fines. But European

It described them as “almost all self-

officials said the latest agreement avoided

initiated investigations into RT by the

such action. Under the deal, Italy has agreed

regulator”, adding: “We operate under rules

to lower its planned budget deficit from

outlined by the regulator, and always strive

2.4% to 2.04% - not so much of a reduction

to abide by them.”

as European officials had hoped for. The value of Italy’s concessions is understood to be a little more than €10bn. Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte

Ofcom said RT had failed to give due weight to a wide range of voices on a matter of major political controversy. It called the breaches “a serious failure of compliance”.

said the compromise was a win for both

The watchdog said: “We have told RT

sides. “We can say in conscience that

that we are minded to consider imposing a

we have realised in full the wishes of our

statutory sanction.

European officials say that information

citizens, demonstrating determination in the

“The broadcaster now has an opportunity

marked as confidential and secret was not

economic politics of the government,” he

to make representations to us, which we will

affected by the three-year hack.

told the country’s senate.

consider before proceeding further.”

One expert told the New York Times

“We have achieved by means of a

that the methods used by the hackers were

complete sense of responsibility, a shared

similar to those previously used by the

solution, that is good for Italians and

Chinese military.

satisfactory to Europe.”

DRONES GROUND FLIGHTS AT GATWICK AIRPORT, UK

“After over a decade of experience

Tens of thousands of passengers have

countering Chinese cyber-operations, there

been disrupted by drones flying over one of

is no doubt this campaign is connected to

the UK’s busiest airports. Gatwick’s runway

the Chinese government,” he said.

has been shut following devices repeatedly

The intercepted messages, known as

flying over the airfield.

diplomatic cables, reveal one exchange in

Sussex Police said it was not terror-

which diplomats describe July’s meeting

related but a “deliberate act” of disruption,

between

using “industrial specification” drones.

Mr Trump

and

his

Russian

counterpart Vladimir Putin as “successful

The airport advised that the runway

(at least for Putin)”. Another message

would not open “until it was safe to do so”.

gives details of a private meeting between

The shutdown started just after 21:00

Chinese President Xi Jinping and European

on Wednesday 19th December, when

officials that took place earlier this year. A number of other institutions, including the United Nations, were also reportedly affected by the breach and have since been alerted.

OFCOM ACCUSES RUSSIAN NEWS CHANNEL RT OF BREAKING TV IMPARTIALITY RULES News channel RT, formerly known as

ITALY BUDGET DEAL STRUCK WITH EUROPE AFTER MONTHS-LONG ROW

Russia Today, broke TV impartiality rules in

chief operating officer Chris Woodroofe

of Russian ex-spy Sergei Skripal and his

the country’s high debt. Italy initially stood its ground, leading EU officials to threaten disciplinary action and

sighting of drones”.

has ruled. reporting in the aftermath of the poisoning

changes to Italy’s budget plans because of

about 45 minutes later amid “a further

had been spotted “in the last hour”. Gatwick

with the European Commission. demanded

at 03:01 on Thursday but was closed again

agent attacks, UK media watchdog Ofcom

dispute, Italy has agreed a deal on its budget had

operates from”. The runway briefly reopened

The airport said at about 12:00 a drone

Ofcom may now fine the station for its

Commission

perimeter fence and into where the runway

seven programmes after the Salisbury nerve

After months in a high-profile diplomatic

The

two drones were spotted flying “over the

daughter Yulia. The seven breaches took place over six weeks between 17 March and 26 April. RT said it was “extremely disappointed by Ofcom’s conclusions”.

said: “The police are looking for the operator and that is the way to disable the drone.” He said police had not wanted to shoot the devices down because of the risk from stray bullets. More than 20 police units from two forces are searching for the perpetrator, who could face up to five years in jail. Endeavour Magazine | 7

AFRICA ETHIOPIA PM TO REGULATE BORDER AND IDENTITY DISPUTES Ethiopia’s

parliament

approved

opposition candidate, businessman and

controversial bill setting up a commission to

that failed to sign up to the implementation.

former vice president Atiku Abubakar, has

The SAATM is operational in 14 countries,

criticised Buhari’s economic policies and has

who signed up for the implementation in

promised to double the size of the economy

May. Togo, which hosted the launch of

to $900 billion by 2025 if elected.

SAATM, has operationalised the treaty

resolve border and ethnic conflicts among

The budget is the fourth Buhari has

through agreements with other countries,

regional administrations. While the bill was

present to parliament since taking office

where cross-border flights are now treated

contested by sections of the lawmakers,

in 2015 but, unlike the others, did not

as domestic flights in the region.

the House of People’s Representatives

set record high levels of spending as the

eventually passed it with a majority. 33

government seeks to lower debt.

legislates voted against it, while 4 abstained. The Administrative

Boundaries

The spending plan is smaller than the

Th countries that signed up to the implementation

December

include

Gambia, Botswana and Burkina Faso.

and

record 9.12 trillion-naira budget for 2018

Identity Issues Commission., which will

that he signed into law in June. The budget

Mozambique,

report to the prime minister, Abiy Ahmed,

must still be approved by parliament before

Swaziland and Zimbabwe, which were

will investigate causes of identity and

it can be signed into law, a process that can

expected to sign up, delayed their own

border disputes in the country, and propose

take months.

implementation timelines.

solutions to parliament.

Chad, Egypt, Gabon, Kenya, Lesotho, Nigeria,

South

Africa,

CONGO ADVANCES IN PEDIATRIC CANCER TREATMENT

More than 1.4 million people are currently displaced as a result of ethnic conflicts within the country. The bill was resisted by mostly lawmakers from the Tigray region,

The Adolph Cissé General hospital

whose leaders have increasingly resisted

in Pointe-Noire, Congo, has a pediatric

Abiy’s leadership and reform agenda.

oncology unit, a first in a country where 18

Dissenting MPs argued that the new

cases of pediatric cancer were reported this

commission was not needed, since ethnic and identity issues are solved by the lower house of parliament. Parliament also approved bills to amend the Defence Forces Proclamation, which among other things, provides for the establishment of naval, space and cyber forces.

NIGERIA PRESIDENT PRESENTS $28.8 BN 2019 BUDGET

year out of 180 registered patients.

AFRICAN COUNTRIES SHUN OPEN SKIES POLICY

“It is a mobile respiratory device that allows the patient to be cared for from the accident site to the intensive care unit. This device has three functions for adults,

While 26 African countries committed

children and totally autonomous neo-

to the establishment of a Single African

natology. Since it is always difficult for a

Air Transport Market (SAATM) in May

doctor to have all the exact parameters of

this year, many of them failed to sign

what is needed including systole, diastole,

the implementation of the framework in

all

saturation

parameters,

this

device

Demember. At the International Civil Aviation

automatically gives you the opportunity to

Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari

Organisation’s Air Services Negotiations

have all the saturation characteristics of

presented a 8.83 trillion naira ($28.80

conference in Nairobi, up to 13 countries

the patient instantly and at this time we

billion) budget for 2019 to parliament, and

were expected to sign the Memorandum of

have less risk of management”, said Valery

laid out a plan to drive growth two months

Implementation and African Civil Aviation

Boupda, Technical Director of Euraftrade.

before elections.

Commission, which is the executing agency

The spending plan for Africa’s top oil

of SAATM.

A foundation, Calissa ikama, was created by a father whose daughter lost her life 10

producer assumes crude production of 2.3

“Kenya is also committed towards the full

years ago to pediatric cancer. He’s since still

million barrels a day, an oil price of $60 per

realisation of the African Union’s initiative

be working hard to raise awareness about

barrel and an exchange rate of 305 naira to

that will see Africa converging into one air

the illness.

the dollar. Buhari’s handling of the economy

service market,’‘ president Uhuru Kenyatta

– which emerged from its first recession

said, while opening the conference.

in 25 years this year but remains sluggish

However, when the time came to follow

– has become a campaign issue. The main

through, Kenya was one of the countries

8 | Endeavour Magazine

8% of pediatric cancer cases have been recorded in Congo Republic, a rate that donors in this pediatric oncology unit hope to see reduced.

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MIDDLE EAST SAUDI ARABIA FINANCE MINISTER IS “COMFORTABLE” WITH OIL PRICES Saudi

Arabia’s

Finance

Minister

Mohammed al-Jadaan has said he is not

and Gaza will see a 20 percent decline in food aid. Raphael

to Russia and Iran. Both the Pentagon and the White House

Boispean,

WFP

statement said the US had started “returning

spokesperson, attributed the crisis to the

United States troops home as we transition

“recurrent problem” of declining donations.

to the next phase of this campaign”.

concerned about current oil prices affecting

The Palestinians have faced major

The Pentagon said it would not provide

spending plans in 2019 as money from an

budget cuts this year after the United States

further details of what that next phase is “for

anti-corruption drive will bring in billions of

slashed funding for the UN’s Palestinian

force protection and operational security

dollars. Jadaan stated that cash settlements

refugee programme, UNRWA, and for

reasons”

from an anti-corruption campaign - which

USAID programmes in the Palestinian

The White House said the US and its

generated 50 billion Saudi riyals ($13.3bn)

territories. “WFP is concerned that these

allies stood “ready to re-engage at all levels

in 2018 - would net “not significantly less”

cuts may have a devastating effect on the

to defend American interests whenever

in 2019.

food security, livelihoods and welfare of the

necessary, and we will continue to work

people it serves in Palestine,” the statement

together to deny radical Islamist terrorists

said.

territory, funding, support and any means of

Authorities have said they expect to confiscate $100bn overall from a purge of princes, ministers, and business tycoons

infiltrating our borders”.

ordered by Crown Prince Mohammed bin

President Trump said it was time to bring

Salman in November 2017.

troops home after their “historic victories”.

Under an ambitious reform plan aimed

SUDAN PROTESTERS TORCH RULING PARTY HQ OVER RISING PRICES

at ending the top oil exporter’s dependence on crude, Riyadh is seeking to balance its budget by 2023. The government unveiled a $295bn

Protesters in Sudan have set fire to the

budget o December, the kingdom’s largest,

ruling party’s offices as part of a series of

with a seven percent increase in state

demonstrations against rising bread prices

spending to spur economic growth and a

and shortages of fuel, both subsidised by

projected deficit of 4.2 percent of GDP.

the government.

Asked about the effect of lower oil prices

Images circulating on social media

on spending, Jadaan said: “Until today we are

showed the ruling National Conference

comfortable” and “even in the worst-case

Party’s offices in Atbara, some 320km north

scenario we are still relatively comfortable”

of the capital Khartoum, being set on fire,

given the kingdom’s significant reserves and

while other fires were scattered across the

low debt to GDP ratio.

streets at the centre of the protests.

UN’S FOOD PROGRAMME TO CUT BACK AID TO THOUSANDS OF PALESTINIANS The

United

Nations’

World

ALLIES SHOCKED AS US WITHDRAWS TROOPS FROM SYRIA AFTER IS ‘DEFEAT’ The Trump administration says US

Residents told Al Jazeera that the protests were triggered after bread prices increased from one Sudanese pound ($0.02) to three Sudanese pounds ($0.063).

Food

troops are being withdrawn from Syria, after

The protests, which also broke out in

Programme (WFP) says it will cut its aid next

the president said the Islamic State group

the city of Port Sudan, the capital of Red

year to over 190,000 Palestinians in the

had been “defeated”.

Sea state, saw demonstrators call for the

Gaza Strip and occupied West Bank. The UN agency said it needs another $57m to continue providing for 360,000 impoverished Palestinians in 2019. The budget shortages will hit some 27,000 Palestinians in the West Bank who

Some 2,000 troops have helped rid much

“overthrow of the regime”, a slogan that was

of north-eastern Syria of IS, but pockets of

common during the Arab Spring uprisings

fighters remain.

that swept through the region in 2011.

It had been thought that defence officials

Hatem al-Wassilah, the governor of the

wanted to maintain a US presence to ensure

Nile River state, told Sudania 24 TV that a

IS did not rebuild.

state of emergency had been declared in

will lose food assistance, while another

There are also fears a US withdrawal will

Atbara and a curfew imposed from 6pm

166,000 people in the occupied territory

cede influence in Syria and the wider region

local time (16:00 GMT) to 6am (4:00 GMT).

10 | Endeavour Magazine

AMERICA US APPROVES PATRIOT MISSILE SALE WORTH $3.5BN TO TURKEY The United States has said it approved a sale of $3.5bn in missiles to Turkey amid tensions between the NATO allies over Ankara’s plans to buy them from Russia.

states to mandate that Medicaid recipients

of up to two, among other changes.

find employment. Administration officials

There were 3.8 million Americans who

point to the nation’s low unemployment rate

fell into the target category in 2016, the

as a reason to push more Americans to self-

latest federal figure available. Some 2.8

sufficiency.

million of them were not working.

“A

central

theme

the

Trump

The agency’s move could result in

administration has been to expand prosperity

hundreds of thousands of beneficiaries

The State Department said it had

for all Americans, which includes helping

losing their assistance, according to the left-

informed the US Congress of plans to sell

people lift themselves out of pervasive

leaning Center on Budget & Policy Priorities.

Turkey a Patriot package that includes

poverty,” said Agriculture Secretary Sonny

Typically, one-third of Americans live in an

80 Patriot missiles, 60 PAC-3 missile

Perdue, noting it will save $15 billion over

area where the work requirement is waived.

interceptors and related equipment.

10 years. He claimed the proposed rule

The proposed rule would cut the number

“The proposed sale will increase the

“restores the dignity of work to a sizable

of areas with waivers by three-quarters,

defensive capabilities of the Turkey military

segment of our population, while it’s also

according to the agency.

to guard against hostile aggression and shield

respectful of the taxpayers who fund the

NATO allies who might train and operate

program.”

within Turkey’s borders,” a statement said. Ankara a year ago announced a deal to buy S-400 missiles from Russia, drawing

ASYLUM SEEKERS IN US TO BE SENT BACK TO MEXICO DURING IMMIGRATION PROCEEDINGS

rebuke from its allies in NATO, a bloc

Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen

originally formed as a bulwark against the

Nielsen announced Thursday that the United

former Soviet Union.

States has told Mexico that individuals

A State Department official said Turkey

entering the US illegally or entering without

was jeopardising participation in another

proper documentation will be sent to Mexico

US military programme - the coveted F-35

for the duration of their US immigration

fighter jets - if the country still went ahead

proceedings.

with the S-400 sale.

According

Turkey could also face sanctions on defence purchases under the US law if it

the

Department

Homeland Security, individuals entering already

illegally or without proper documentation

goes ahead, the official reportedly said, on

requires non-disabled, working-age adults

“trying to enter the US to claim asylum

condition of anonymity.

without dependents to have jobs. They can

will no longer be released into our country,

only receive benefits for three months out

where they often disappear before a court

of every 36-month period unless they are

can determine their claim’s merits.”

TRUMP PLANS TO MAKE MORE PEOPLE WORK FOR FOOD STAMPS

The

food

stamp

program

working or participating in training programs 20 hours a week.

They will instead “be processed by DHS and given a ‘Notice to Appear’ for their

The US Department of Agriculture

But states can waive that requirement

unveiled a proposed rule that would expand

for areas where unemployment is at least

Nielsen said “They will have to wait for

work requirements in the Supplemental

10% or there is an insufficient number

approval to come into the United States.

Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, as

of jobs, as defined by the Department of

If they are granted asylum by a U.S. judge,

the food stamp program is formally known.

Labor. Already, some red states, including

they will be welcomed into America. If they

The proposal comes on the same day as

Kentucky and West Virginia, are phasing out

are not, they will be removed to their home

President Donald Trump plans to sign a farm

or eliminating their waivers.

countries.”

bill that had a similar provision that was eventually eliminated

immigration court hearing.”

The proposed rule would make it

She said the US expects “affected

harder for states to receive those waivers

migrants will receive humanitarian visas

The overhaul marks the administration’s

by tightening the definition of areas where

to stay on Mexican soil, they will be given

latest effort to impose work requirements

there are insufficient jobs, curtailing states’

the ability to apply for work, and be given

in government assistance programs. In an

ability to “bank” exemptions for future years

other protections while they await a US legal

unprecedented move, it has started allowing

and limiting waivers to only one year instead

determination.” Endeavour Magazine | 11

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that it seeks to locate, harvest and sell only the very best resources possible. This is no mere lip service, as while less ambitious operations might be happy to offer a variety of stones, Lucara exclusively mines for Type IIA examples and not small ones at that, “Lucara’s 100 percent owned Karowe diamond Mine, located in Botswana, has been in production since 2012 and is one of worlds’ foremost producers of large, Type IIA diamonds in excess of 10.8 carats, including the historic 1,109 carat Lesedi La Rona (second largest gem diamond ever recovered) and the 813 carat Constellation (sold for a record US$63.1 million).”

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ow that you’re sat up and paying attention, it’s time to take a closer look at how a diamond mining operation becomes a global industry leader, which is something that Naseem Lahri,

Managing Director, was able to explain.

A CUT ABOVE THE REST Asking Naseem what it is that really sets Lucara apart from its competitors, she was happy to reveal that, “Firstly, it’s our commitment to invest in technology. We are pioneers in the way that we’ve done things in that we are always

Karowe Mine Started Here (AK 6)

looking for new innovations that will improve our efficiency and the safety of our team. From purchasing state of the art machines for recovering diamonds through to investing in a new sales platform, we are always at the very forefront of things. The other thing that sets us apart is that the management team is willing to take some calculated risks. We aren’t afraid to get on with some tough decision making.” It’s no secret that mining is an industry that has come on in leaps and bounds, in terms of safety and responsible exploration techniques, in recent years, but Lucara has been ahead of the game from day one. Instead of having to play catch up with modern legislation and improved operational methodologies, Lucara has been working in accordance with international best practices

DEWET DRILLING

P.O. Box 3, Gaborone, Botswana Mobile: +267 71300166, rudie@dwddrilling.com

16 | Endeavour Magazine

since 2012 and not just in terms of safety. Looking to the global mining industry for inspiration as to sustainability, environmental responsibility and even community interaction. The result is a

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LUCARA BOTSWANA (PTY) LTD recognisably innovative and enviably premium operation that acts as a shining example to the world.

When working alongside the most precious stones in the world, it must be easy to see everything in terms of monetary value, but

CARVING ITS OWN NICHE Naturally, while discussing Lucara with Naseem, Endeavour Magazine wanted to know how the market is currently performing. Given the luxurious nature of the resources being mined, it wouldn’t come as a surprise if there were periods of turbulence, but Lucara appears to have a built-in life jacket for such rough spells, “Questions about the buoyancy of the diamond industry can be hard to answer, as we are the exception to the rule, as opposed to being the rule itself. Some competitors might be struggling, but we aren’t, thanks to how niche our operation has always been. We exclusively source Type IIA diamonds, which make up just 1-2% of all excavated stones, making us a premier provider with a bank of dedicated clients. The fact that we constantly invest in new technology has also helped us to navigate ourselves away from standard industry difficulties.” Though on paper, choosing to create a niche from day one could have been considered risky, it was obviously one of the ‘calculated risks’ that Naseem acknowledges has made for a courageous management team that produces results. Why settle for average, when you can be aspirational?

THE MOST PRICELESS ASSETS Naseem had a surprise up her sleeve, “Our staff are the most valuable assets and resources that Lucara has. We recognise this every day and seek to demonstrate it through continuous professional development, internal promotions and optimised safety procedures. We want to develop long-term team members, so we look for people that share our values, both at home and at work and we always look to promote from within, before we look at outside talent.” There’s a real sense of Lucara being a family away from home, for everyone that works for the company and just like a real family, Naseem explains that people can always come home, “When our GM left us, we were happy for him to go and stretch his wings and experience opportunities elsewhere, but we realised that he was the right person for us, bar none. We approached him to come back, which he did, and we’ve been working perfectly ever since.” When was the last time that you heard about a company putting humility and the good of the entire operation ahead of pride? While so many organisations would not choose to invite a former employee back, Lucara simply followed its principles of

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LUCARA BOTSWANA (PTY) LTD always wanting the best. Unusual it might be, but this decision is just one more example of the way that Lucara is always working just that little bit differently to everyone else and let’s face it; the results really speak for themselves, so it must be an approach that works.

A BRIGHT FUTURE With a unique business model in place, a contingent of appreciated and well rewarded staff, a reputation that competitors would kill for and performance levels that nobody can rival, Lucara is now looking ahead to 2019 with vigour and positivity: “Obviously we are looking to further develop Clara, our next generation sales platform that will make purchasing a far simpler process, but we are also devoting time to mining feasibility studies. We want to extend our local reach, so potential is being assessed and then there’s new technology. Obviously, we can’t predict what will be created in the next year, but I can tell you that our eyes are very much peeled, to ensure that we are ready to invest in anything relevant to us.” Lucara’s 2019 looks set to be filled with clarity and promise and who could ask for anything more?

Lazenby Holdings is based in Botswana and proudly provides processing, maintenance and project expertise for Lucara Botswana at the prestigeous Karowe diamond mine. A motivated leadership team with a highly skilled workforce (550 individuals and a 98% citizen employment ratio), deliver production excellence to our valued client. Safety, Quality and Service Excellence are the paramount elements within the Lazenby business model. Comprehensive controls and integrated computerised systems ensure cost effective and highly efficient techniques for the management, control and ongoing optimization of the Physical Address: Unit 28 Kgale Mews LucaraPlot Botswana processing operation. 113 Gaborone International Finance Park

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22 | Endeavour Magazine

Post PO Box 1

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P O Box 11336 Palapye Tel/Fax: 4970205 Cell: +267 74172958 / 73325730 Email: serioussystem@gmail.com Civil works • Drilling • Earth works • Mechanical Engineering & Installations • Steel Structures / erection / design • Piping & Piping Products • Vehicle loading (heavy) transport

Endeavour Magazine | 23

BUILDING DEFENCE SYSTEMS HTTP://BDSWLL.COM // 973 17 716 704

SECURING THE FUTURE We all want to put our trust in our security measures, but how can we be confident in exactly who we put that faith in? We spoke with John Benton, Managing Director of Building Defence Systems (BDS) - who have prided themselves in helping secure the Middle East for over 10 years - about what inspired him to create BDS and what it takes to keep the region safe from any threat. WRITTEN BY ALICE INSTONE-BREWER

BUILDING DEFENCE SYSTEMS

Headquartered in the Bahrain International Investment

Park and with offices across the Middle East, BDS have supplied equipment to as far afield as Afghanistan, Ethiopia and Nigeria but their home turf is the GCC. In the words of their Managing Director, John Benton; “We are a supplier of Physical Security equipment to the regions Industrial, Governmental and Critical National Infrastructure sectors, put in simplistic terms, we put in barriers that stop people, vehicles, boats, bullets or bombs.”

uch barriers are an important offering but this means more than just fencing. Although secure and resilient fencing of different kinds are a significant part of what they offer, it also

involves security search and detection systems, vehicle restrictions

The STANDARD for higher maritime security protection Harbor Offshore Barriers’ systems are designed and tested against attacking vessels under full power throughout impact.

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and the required technology needed for entry point control. “This gives you a flavor of what we are about. To top this off, software and technology play a critical role in tying all the various systems together on a local, national and global scale.” John maintains that confidence in their service is the easy part and insists that one of the greatest requirements and challenges of operating a company such as BDS is predicting demand; as soon as a product is sought after, you want to be the one who can provide it, but this requires a lot of what John calls “nimble thinking”. Staying on top of current or future threats, the latest solutions to these, and an understanding of which solutions the market is currently interested in is imperative: “You go to exhibitions and expos, and walk the floor and get a feel for what the market globally is looking at. You have to be open to anything, but you also need to have a good filter, because there is a mountain of products and solutions

www.harboroffshorebarriers.com info@harboroffshorebarriers.com

out there.”

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strong relationships and partnerships. “Hill & Smith’s Bristorm

26 | Endeavour Magazine

He is also adamant that the key to good business is forging product range is at the core of our perimeter security offering and they have developed products within the range based upon

strong input from BDS, so we’ve tailor made the range to reflect

must also stay aware of what the market wants – and surprisingly,

the requirements of the key markets we have exposure to. Harbor

these aren’t always the same thing. “Quite often in security,

Offshore, another partner of BDS are specialists in marine security

people don’t act until the threat has already appeared. That’s not

barriers and we were the first company to implement their

always the best thing to do – anticipation means you’re ready,

solutions in Saudi Arabia but only after years of visits and remote

whereas doing something after the fact can take a bit of time,

communication whilst they waited for their solutions and market

and that means you’re vulnerable.” This phenomenon isn’t wise,

demand to line up together. Our technology partner VidSys are

but it is understandable; when an individual, company or even a

at the forefront in terms of making security management easy for

government only have finite funds to apply to security, the priority

the operators, and the ability to react to situations much more

naturally goes to threats that people are most concerned about,

straightforward. Confidence like that in your products and partners

and preventative measures against a threat that has never been

is paramount and keeps this type of business on track.”

experienced may fall to the bottom of the pile.

One way in which John stays focused is by keeping the company

Whilst this approach persists, it was this exact response to

centred around the area they have always worked in: physical

the perception of threat that sparked an increase in the demand

security. “As an approved vendor to a large number of the world’s

for security measures in the early 2000s. John told us about his

leading Security and Defence contractors, we have delivered to

decision to start BDS, and the move was linked to a significant

and worked on some of the region’s largest Industrial sites and that

shift in attitudes towards security in the Middle East following

experience is not only priceless but as a result of BDS maintaining

the tragic events of September 11th 2001. “I was based out in

ourselves in what we are good at,” he explains. Remaining

Saudi Arabia doing some consultancy, which was essentially

anchored in what they do best allows BDS to resist the temptation

business representation and agency identification for a number of

of spreading themselves too thin, not being everything to every

UK companies. I had a small portfolio that I represented, and the

person, but instead knowing their product areas exceptionally well.

idea was to promote them and find suitable partners to get them

As well as staying on top of the latest developments in

into new regions. This became quite heavy in companies from the

technology, regulations and potential threats, John and his team

security related industries after the events in 2001.”

Endeavour Magazine | 27

BUILDING DEFENCE SYSTEMS “The period of 2001-2003 saw a shift: what had felt like a

Individuals have certainly taken their security very seriously when

very safe environment, very low key in terms of security, suddenly

they’re travelling to this region, and you think about it a lot more

became focused on security as life changed.” Many of us remember

carefully than you would have done previously.”

this period of time, and the way that life changed as a result. From

Whilst this mentality has persisted, the sense of waiting for a

airport security to an every-day feeling, many countries felt their

threat to show itself before investing in a preventative measure

awareness of potential danger rise. From the news and politicians,

still exists. A good example of this is marine safety: several years

it entered our rhetoric, and that in turn affected our outlook and

ago, BDS reached out to Harbour Offshore, after identifying the

choices. For John, a silver lining to this unwelcome change was that

need for marine-side industries to protect themselves from threats

he found himself with a portfolio of interesting security companies,

at sea. However, it was some time before they felt the market was

in a climate of high demand for what they could offer. Instead of

ready for their solutions:

playing the middle man between entities, he decided to represent these companies himself, and so BDS was born.

“It goes back a number of years. In 2002, the USS Cole was attacked in Yemen by a very small craft that blew a hole in the

The world has of course not remained at the exact same state

side of it. It unfortunately killed several US service personnel and

of alert that occurred in the early 2000s, but some things changed

caused millions of dollars of damage. From that point, the US

for the long-term. “Security precautions in Saudi Arabia between

Navy developed their own harbor and marine protection barriers.

2002 and 2008, and since then on and off in peaks and troughs

In the late 2000s, I started thinking that something similar would

of security risk, but between those years in particular there was a

be needed in the offshore facilities that we have along the coast

high security risk, with a lot of instances of issues directed towards

of the Gulf. Many industrial sites are marine-side because they

Western interests and Western employees in particular.” John

need to bring in cooling waters from the sea. They pump these

breaks the security market into three categories – governments,

cooling waters into power stations and a variety of different kinds

corporations and individuals – and the permanent change has

of petrochemical plants etc., and it would be very easy to destroy

been perceptible in all three ever since. “People’s memories don’t

or severely damage these sites by utilizing a small craft. There is a

change, and we’ve all operated slightly differently from that point.

variety of remote-control technologies that would enable a small

28 | Endeavour Magazine

unmanned vessel to move quickly across the surface of the water to damage these facilities.”

“We have grown very quickly and many a learning curve was experienced but we have become a large enough company to

This is the sort of “nimble thinking” that John says is essential

remain a strong player in the region, whilst still being manageable

for predicting needs, and he began to research companies offering

so that BDS can continue to interact and work closely together

marine security. This search led him to Harbour Offshore, a US-

with a core and experienced team. As an SME it is ingrained in us

based company, who have worked closely with the US Navy, which

to never give up. We believe that sets us apart from our rivals as

is a testament to their expertise and the quality of their solutions.

does the overall package of capability we offer which is designed to

They devised a marine barrier that serves as a sort of ‘floating wall’

assist our clients deliver their project, from bid to project delivery.”

- this sea-bound barrier requires almost zero maintenance once

In looking to the future, BDS has the curious task of needing

it is installed, and can stand for 25+ years. “We built up a long

to predict where new threats may occur, or, more positively, where

relationship with Harbour Offshore, which is a really positive story

new developments will unfold and thus require protection. With

and we’ve been fortunate enough to represent them across the

conflict in much of the Middle East, such as in Syria and Yemen,

region for over six years. Industrial security teams are now treating

John feels that eventually, these countries will need to rebuild their

marine security seriously, and this genre of products has become a

infrastructure, and that these could therefore open up as markets

central part of BDS’ business.”

with new demand. He also told us that he believes that countries

As well as the unique complications of working in the security industry, BDS also navigates the ups and downs of

such as Oman and Kuwait may soon be raising the levels of their security to that of Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.

being an SME in the Middle East. The government are incredibly

Finally, the company is also looking into new technologies, such

supportive of SME’s by offering services and grants to provide

as solutions for the rising concern over drones. BDS seem set to

training for your staff, assistance with marketing grants,

keep expanding the ways they keep the Middle East safe, and may

upgrading your IT and if you hire local Bahrainis, they will assist

soon be keeping our skies as safe as our shorelines.

with government payments to support their wages for the first two years.

Endeavour Magazine | 29

BEYTI EGYPT WWW.BEYTIEGYPT.COM // 00202 23220491-9

“QUALITY IN EVERYTHING” Comforting treats or daily essentials, juice and dairy are key in many people’s diets and grocery shops. If you’re shopping in Egypt, then it’s possible that these products were made by Beyti. We spoke with Mohamed Badran, CEO of Beyti, to learn more about how the company is raising the bar for fruit juice and dairy in the country. WRITTEN BY ALICE INSTONE-BREWER

BEYTI EGYPT Beyti was established in 1998, when it purchased the

country’s largest commercial dairy farm from the Saudi Group Dallah Al-Baraka. It went live with its first product in 2002 and, today, it is one of the largest producers of milk, juice and yoghurt, which it markets to 86 million potential consumers. 2018 marked the company’s 20year anniversary; to celebrate, we spoke with Mohamed Badran: “Beyti is a fortress in the Egyptian food industry. Today, we celebrate 20 years of leading in business, while creating value and contributing to our community and stakeholders. 20 years of learning, 20 years of growth, 20 years of success!”

he company sells a wide range of agrifood products, including juices, natural milk, flavoured milk and both spoonable and drinkable yoghurts, as well as cooking and whipping creams.

They are currently the country’s leading producer in juice and in high-end milk, which they focus on rather than dealing in lowergrade, less hygienic products. Beyti is also the second leading company in the yoghurt category, however, as Mohamed told us confidently, “We will be number one soon.” To achieve this, they intend to keep doing what they have been doing this entire time: delivering quality, as their slogan says, in everything they do. The name ‘Beyti’ comes from the Arabic word meaning both ‘my home’ and ‘home-made’, which reflects the healthy and wholesome nature of the company’s wide range of products. They work carefully to adhere to the highest international quality standards and to make sure that their products are not only free from harmful additives, but also taste fresh and, of course, contribute to a healthy diet. In 2002, the company’s first milk product hit the market. To ensure that it was of a high standard, the newly formed Beyti company invested millions of dollars in the construction of a state-of-the-art facility that would allow for fully-automated

Tel: +20238114277 E-mail: info@tp-straw.com www.tp-straw.com

32 | Endeavour Magazine

Address: Tawfikiya Plastic Manufacturing S.A.E,Misr Assuit highway, Hawamdia, Giza, Egypt

production. Built on the Cairo-Alex Desert Road, the plant is able to process both dairy and other agrifood products, with high-speed

automation keeping its output time efficient whilst also ensuring

what we are developing within Beyti itself. We’re always striving to

that all operations are stringently hygienic and safe. In the same

have this family culture. My dream is that I leave Beyti employees

year as the milk launch, Beyti Factory was heralded in European

feeling that they are unique in the country.”

Dairy Magazine as the “Factory of the Year”.

Between Almarai and PepsiCo., the company has two giants

Once they achieved success with their milk, in 2007, the

behind it, and yet the new and improved company has been left

company branched out into juice and, soon after, creams. In 2009,

with the autonomy to make the decisions that feel right on the

Beyti caught the attentions of both Arabian dairy manufacturer

ground level, where Mohamed and his staff know what is needed.

Almarai and the well-known PepsiCo International. The two

With his hands on the reins, Mohamed was quick to push the Beyti

companies formed a joint venture and acquired Beyti. In doing so,

team and challenge how much they could achieve, and having the

the companies also introduced the latest technology to its facilities

freedom to do so on their own terms, he feels the entire team has

in yet another upgrade. Today, Beyti employs 3,000 employees,

been empowered: “They may have thought I was a little crazy when

operates fully automated facilities, and holds a competitive position

I first joined. They thought, ‘Oh, he is a little too ambitious’. But

in all four of its product categories.

now, they have achieved those targets, and it is time for us to say,

Mohamed became the CEO of Beyti in 2012, having previously

‘What are we after next?’ Now, they are convinced that they can do

worked for Almarai in Saudi Arabia. After an eventful career that

it, as they’ve done it before, and that is only possible in a culture of

had him moving from country to country, Mohamed feels that he

allowing people to have more autonomy.”

has found a home in Beyti. Having served as the company’s CEO

The company currently hires 3,000 direct employees and

for six years, he has become deeply invested in the growth that the

provides more than 15,000 indirect employment opportunities.

company has achieved, and is passionate about how far it can still

As with Beyti products, Mohamed has ambitious expectations for

go: “Beyti has a lot to offer. We’ve come a long way, and we’re very

Beyti staff and the standard that they represent under the Beyti

proud of the ambitious goals we’ve set and achieved, and also of

name. “The important thing for me is that Beyti represents the best

Endeavour Magazine | 33

BEYTI EGYPT that Egyptians have to offer. I want the education and development

standards have been recognised time and again. “We’ve achieved

of Beyti employees to be at the highest level.” Beyti employees are

very high ratings recently in quality awards, which makes us as well

not only trained on the job, but are also sent on training courses

as our affiliate companies very proud.”

and even to business courses in institutions like Harvard, allowing

An even stronger testament to the company’s strength has

them to develop their educational skill level. “Beyti employees are

been their ability to weather tough times. The past two years have

great ambassadors for passion, innovation and excellence, which

been trying for companies throughout the country, following the

are three of our core values. These values define what the company

devaluation of the EGP in 2016. Despite this, the board Beyti

is about and guide employees’ behaviour inside and outside the

answers to continues to show faith: “We’ve had a complete U-turn

organization. That has really been my dream, and achieving this

in our bottom line this year (but not our top line, because this has

dream is manifested in the company values.”

always performed well). We’ve just received recognition from the

In part, Beyti seeks to achieve this by running internship

Beyti board and an appetite to further invest in Egypt, which is

programmes that encourage both skill training and the development

very exciting for me personally. They have invested almost $400

of these values, and the company prioritises hiring talents who

million in the last five years; those investments are almost coming

have graduated from this programme. Additionally, higher

to a close, which means we’ve almost invested all of that $400

positions within the company are exclusively filled through internal

million, and now they’re saying, ‘Well, what else can we do?’ When

promotion, to nurture the company culture of growing from within.

you hear that from a board, you know you’re on the right track.”

This allows Beyti to truly shape its staff into a family of like-minded,

Mohamed added.

dedicated and conscientious workers, from the ground level to the very top.

Beyti plans to invest in new categories of products with these funds, and Mohamed has other ambitious goals for the next five

The results have been clear; not only is the company one of

years. For example, he aims to expand the company’s export

the leading, or the leading manufacturer in its fields, but its quality

operations, including a push into the African and Middle Eastern

34 | Endeavour Magazine

markets – markets they are already entering with promising success. “Our export business has out-performed even the local business in terms of growth, growing more than 100% this year.” This achievement is made all the more impressive when looking at the countries that Beyti is exporting to: as well as locations scattered throughout Africa, including Senegal, Kenya, Libya and Morocco, the company supplies the Middle East – primarily Syria, Yemen and Palestine. All three of these countries are facing political conflicts that make business extremely inconsistent, and yet, Beyti is still achieving success and intends to push further into both regions. From their products to their booming business, Beyti stands as a testament to what can be achieved with the right culture and work ethic, and it seems that Mohamed’s passion has been greatly rewarded, and will continue to be in the years to come. “Our ambitions are high; we’re in a good place to succeed, and our employees are hungry to achieve more.”

project, Clauger’s relationship with in industrial refrigeration and HVAC Beyti has stayed strong, leading to systems, is proud to be a preferred a huge project in refrigeration and air treatment that was fitting for the supplier of Beyti. major player that Beyti is today. For over 45 years, Clauger has used its expertise to provide industries Both companies have grown with innovative and even custom- alongside each other: today, Clauger built solutions for dairy products, undertakes over 100 refrigeration fresh and cured meat, fruits and installations per year. On top of this, vegetables, cold chain products, its products can be found in over 90 and even pharmaceuticals and countries and it holds over 1,000 maintenance contracts around the chemicals. Started eight years ago through a world.

CLAUGER, the food industry specialist

short incubation and fast cooling

arrow-alt-right WWW.CLAUGER.COM Endeavour Magazine | 35

AMAZING WORLD BY WILL GIRLING

CREMATION OF CARES: A PANAMANIAN TRADITION

ith December tapering to an end

choose to make symbolic gestures as

of the year in order to free up the future for

and, with it, the excitement of

a commitment to fresh chances. Some

something better.

Christmas, the arrival of the new

purchase long-debated gym memberships

Taking this idea and running with it to

year, among those of us for whom it falls on

to shed the Christmas pounds, or swear

its logical conclusion, the people of Panama

January the 1st, is what our minds usually

oaths of self-control over their vices

have established a tradition that captures

turn to. During that magical countdown

(smoking, drinking, etc), whilst for others

the same spirit of contemplation and

at 10 seconds to midnight which we’re all

the simple purchase of a new calendar is

injects it with some much-needed farce and

familiar with, a chance for a clean slate and

all the heralding a year requires. However,

humour. Scattered around the Panamanian

new beginning presents itself – some might

the desire for a new start sometimes

countryside are a population of hand-crafted

even say a ‘rebirth’.

necessitates making peace with the past,

effigies, known by the locals as ‘muñecos de

unabashedly confronting the worst aspects

ano viejo’ (one year dolls). However, these

To encapsulate this feeling, we often 36 | Endeavour Magazine

is up to the creator to personify their own

exorcism and contemplation as midnight

interpretation of the very worst aspects of

ticks closer. For those not sufficiently crafty

a passing year and then to immolate them,

to fabricate one for themselves, a small but

ensuring that their influence is purged from

lucrative opportunity exists in modelling

the year to come.

custom, made-to-order specimens. Prices

As you can imagine, political figures both

vary depending on the subject and ease of

domestically in Panama and from abroad

executing the core concept, but the results

are given short shrift. In recent years, it’s

are sure to be satisfying!

really not surprising that people like Donald

This tradition cannot help but evoke the

Trump and Fidel Castro have made frequent

myth of the phoenix, the magical bird which

‘appearances’ among these 6ft infernos

perishes magnificently in flames only to be

illuminating

However,

reborn and rejuvenated from the ashes of

that isn’t to say a muñecos de ano viejo is

its own death. The phoenix provides us with

inherently political: abstract concepts, pop-

a potently optimistic metaphor for how the

culture figures, sports luminaries, and even

greatest transformations often happen: from

fictional characters such as Alien & Predator

destruction comes creation; from an ‘ending’

have all been represented in previous years.

arises a new beginning. Like every year

the

landscape.

Clearly there is a high degree of levity

before it, we’ll look back on 2018 as a mixed

aren’t simply for decoration or to freak out

in these ‘sacrifices’, although the often

bag of positive and negative aspects. There

tourists; each skilfully crafted, human-sized

acerbically satirical designs and frequently

is a temptation to allow the demons of the

effigy is pieced together from discarded

outrageous estimations of public figures

past to haunt us forever, but the people of

clothes, embellished to the maker’s taste,

can really hammer the funny bone. Picture

Panama have developed a cheerful tradition

and then packed full of combustibles. These

a grotesque caricature of Trump, trowel in

for moving on: think about what you didn’t

dolls are for burning!

hand and a pile of bricks at his feet, and

like, laugh at its most comical element, and

you’ll understand the level we’re on.

then condemn it to the fires of memory.

Looking back on a year, there will be things to celebrate and things to regret. Of

And so, with the spectrum of a year’s

In the spirit of the Panamanian people, I’d

the latter, there will be both misfortunes

highs and lows brought into vivid detail, lined

like top wish you a ‘prospero ano y felicidad

for individuals and wider society. But for

up close to the Pan-American highway, the

siempre’ (a prosperous year and happiness

the Panamanians anything is fair game! It

effigies are set ablaze in a ritual of emotional

always). Endeavour Magazine | 37

TONG WOH ENTERPRISE SDN BHD 60 3 5631 9188

THE TASTE OF QUALITY With 50 years of success firmly under its belt, Tong Woh Enterprise is garnering a lot of positive attention and not just because it offers high quality products, but also because its diverse portfolio of subsidiary interests hasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t diluted its strengths. WRITTEN BY AMY BUXTON

TONG WOH ENTERPRISE SDN BHD

A premier importer and distributor of beverages, both

alcoholic and not, within Malaysia, Tong Woh Enterprise (TWE) is proud to have grown steadily over the last half century, to become partnered with globally recognised and respected brands.

hen you hear names such as Coca-Cola, Red Bull, MoëtHennessy and Guinness, there’s no doubting that you are part of a conversation about international beverage giants,

so it goes a long way towards demonstrating the reach that TWE has been able to extend throughout Malaysia, as they work with these names every day.

SUPPLY AND DEMAND It was an ingenious move by the founders of TWE to hone in on the tasty beverage market. While humans are reliant on water for survival, we have a natural propensity to seek out something a whole lot more enjoyable and delicious, not to mention the fact that a large percentage also enjoys something alcoholic as well. With this in mind, there will always be a guaranteed consumer base for the products being imported and distributed by TWE. Supply and demand, as a business model, is nothing new, but when you can take the mystery out of just how much demand you can expect, it allows for a significant reduction in risk, better profit margins and happy stakeholders. There is also an extra element of business viability in that expensive marketing campaigns can be entirely negated, thanks to the brands being offered already having  MALAYSIA@THEMACALLAN.COM  FACEBOOK.COM/THEMACALLAN  @THE_MACALLAN

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40 | Endeavour Magazine

been proven out, enjoyed and wanted by consumer around the world. Coca-Cola is a prime example in that you’d have to go a long way to find someone who hasn’t heard of it, let alone tried, loved and bought it again.

TONG WOH ENTERPRISE SDN BHD HUMBLE BEGINNINGS It’s no joke to say that TWE started as a small and unrecognisable operation, back in 1968. Initially founded as a small traditional Chinese medicine outlet, it was later adapted when market assessments suggested that the beverage industry was on the up. Referring to the seemingly about turn in interests, which lead to Chinese medicine being discarded in favour of alcohol supply, TWE commented, “Fast forward and Tong Woh was appointed as the distributor for Heineken Malaysia Berhad (HMB) and continued to expand its portfolio of liquor and fine wines, making the company one of the key suppliers with the widest selection of liquors, beers and wines. By then, the alcohol supply business had taken flight, driving the company to new heights.” It’s true what they say, that in business, all you need is that one contact or client that opens up a world of potential and for TWE, that was very much Heineken. A small show of faith from an industry giant was all it took for other large operations to start seeing TWE for the effective operation that it is, with a guaranteed

42 | Endeavour Magazine

client base and seamless distribution arm. From there, it was, relatively speaking, plain sailing.

A PORTFOLIO WITH PROMISE While the importing and distribution of beverages remains the main concern at TWE, there are a number of subsidiaries in place, helping to diversify the parent group’s interests and allow for extended reach and growth. They might seem a little disconnected at first, but when you remember how TWE started, things begin to fall into place, “Unicare Pharmacy focuses on western medication to cater to the market, as well as, Tong Woh Fine Wines and Medicine Hall, which greatly focuses on providing a vast selection of fine wines and offering traditional Chinese medicine to the local community.” So you see, TWE never fully turned its back on the medicinal side of things; it simply put a pin in it until such a time that it would be a more viable option. There’s little reason to doubt that this is the result of the founder’s original philosophy of “Together We Unite, In Harmony We Grow”, still being in effect as a business mantra.

Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s certainly evidence to show that the subsidiaries, which are

insights into the flavour profiles that people want and will sell.

harmonious with the initial incarnation of TWE, have contributed

Plus, by reaching out via social media and creating events, again,

to the continued growth of the overall operation.

marketing budgets donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t need to be stretched, allowing for product

COMMUNITY SPIRIT

development, portfolio diversification and growth to remain the main priorities and expenditures.

As things progress, TWE is moving forward with the fine wine

Having celebrated 50 years of business in 2018, with a sit down

retail branch of operations, much to the delight of loyal customers

dinner for employees, to show gratitude for their hard work, TWE is

who enjoy having a premium outlet that can be trusted to supply

now looking to move forward into the next 50. It seems reasonable

only the best products. While selling wine and spirits is not a new

to assume that new product lines, exciting flavours and ever more

endeavour, the way that TWE is involving the local community is

fine wines will be added to the product roster and made available to

inspired, as it is encouraging customers to feel as though they have

customers through both physical shops and seamless e-commerce.

an active role in choosing the products that they will be able to,

The only question that remains is what other subsidiaries might

eventually, buy. How is TWE accomplishing tis extra special bond?

get added into the mix and how will they take TWE towards a full

By utilising social media as more than just a virtual outreach tool.

century of enviable commercial results. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s certainly going to be

Making the most of Facebook, under the handle TWE Fine

exciting to find out.

Wine Shop, TWE has drafted valued customers in to attend secret product tastings, an initiative that benefits everyone. Existing and potential consumers get to feel as though they are making a difference, while enjoying some free drinks and TWE gains valuable

Endeavour Magazine | 43

UNITED ARAB BANK WWW.UAB.AE // 00971 6 507 5222

A TEAM TO BANK ON Whether doing business or looking after your personal finances, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important to have a bank you can trust. We spoke with Izzidin Abusalameh, the COO of United Arab Bank, to find out how this company is catering to its clients throughout the UAE and marking itself out as a bank of choice. WRITTEN BY ALICE INSTONE-BREWER

UNITED ARAB BANK

United Arab Bank, P.J.S.C. (UAB) was incorporated in

January 1975 as a private joint stock company in the Emirate of Sharjah, UAE. In March 2005, thirty years later, the bank’s issued share capital was listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange.

oday, the bank is still based in Sharjah, but operates a network of 14 branches throughout the UAE. We spoke with Izzidin Abusalameh, UAB’s COO, who was able to tell us more about

the range of services offered through this network: “The Bank offers its clients tailor-made financial services in both corporate and retail banking, and has mainly established itself as a leading solutions provider for a growing commercial and industrial base across the seven emirates. Through the provision of

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a comprehensive range of Corporate Banking, Retail Banking, Trade Finance, and Treasury services, UAB is the Bank of choice among major corporate clientele segments in the UAE.” Izzidin joined UAB in June 2016, when he accepted the role as their new COO. Prior to this, he served as the General Manager of Dubai’s Arab Bank Shared Services Center, where he gained experience in the sector by providing operations and technology services to Arab Bank’s operations throughout the GCC. However, his experience goes further: before being a member of the UAB family, Izzidin worked with Cairo Amman Bank for more than ten years, first in Palestine and then in the bank’s Head Office in Jordan. During this time, he headed the replacement of the company’s Core Banking System, which looked after over 100 branches in the two different countries.

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Going back even further, Izzidin began his life in banking at ground level, working as a teller for ANZ Bank in their Palestinian branch. Having worked from the ground upwards like this, Izzidin

46 | Endeavour Magazine

UNITED ARAB BANK truly knows the banking sector and what it means for a bank to

the values of the UAE, we are able to deliver and to delight

operate at every level. Additionally, his experience across several

our customers.”

different banks allowed him the insight into what does and does

Whilst it may have a strong team and leadership in place, UAB

not work, allowing him to guide UAB’s operations wisely and with a

cannot afford to ever become complacent. The UAE’s banking

wealth of information behind him.

sector is highly competitive, and this competition is only on the

In his own team’s words, from his position as COO, Izzidin is

rise: “The Banking sector is growing at a consistent pace with fierce

responsible for the bank’s “strategy with regards to embracing and

competition among 50 Banks across the UAE. 2018 witnessed

accelerating the digital transformation towards superior customers’

consolidation of the two biggest banks in the UAE and the trend

experience.” Of course, whilst he is a valuable part of the team, he is

is expected to continue.” With this speed and scale of competition,

only one part of it.

United Arab Bank must keep finding ways to set itself apart and

“United Arab Bank’s workforce comprises competent and

prove itself as the bank of choice. In part, it does this by focusing

committed personnel that ensure business success.” UAB currently

on building customer relationships, both with individuals and

employs over 550 members of staff, and each one is an essential

corporations, to make sure that their clients’ needs are truly met.

part of the company’s overall success: “Through extensive training

As Izzidin explained, “The bank adopts innovative approaches to

and development aligned to business needs, employees have

bringing a superior customer experience, while remaining loyal to

every possible opportunity for development and growth within

our nation’s heritage and contributing to the overall development

the organization. We continuously seek people who share in our

of the UAE.” For example, “Banks are expected to become more

commitment to excellence by delivering a professional service

active in the fintech space, either by launching stand-alone digital

to clients and take personal responsibility for performance. To

banks or through partnerships,” and UAB intends to stay ahead.

ensure individual and business success, our focused search is

However, the stand-out initiative that UAB is putting into place,

for the right person to fit the right position at the right time.

designed to truly cater to its customer base, is its Islamic Banking

By employing people from diverse backgrounds, aligned to

option. As their operations spread through the UAE, UAB has found

48 | Endeavour Magazine

that increasingly, its customers wish to conduct their banking in a way that they can be confident is in adherence to Shari’ah principles. In particular, in the Retail and Corporate sectors, it is important to many of UAB’s clients that these transactions and services are meeting the correct expectations. To cater to this, the bank has established Islamic Banking. As UAB explains, “Our new Shari’ah compliant products and services will cater to the needs of a wide segment of our clientele. UAB offers a boutique of Islamic products and services to our clients that includes current accounts, saving accounts, investment fix deposits, trade finances, bill discounting, personal finance, credit cards, salary advance facilities and many other distinguished Retail and Corporate Islamic offerings.” This department is run out of UAB’s head office in Sharjah and, importantly, all of its products have been approved by a Shari’ah Supervisory Board made up of Islamic scholars with backgrounds in Islamic laws and economics. With this solid background behind them, these scholars are able to review and oversee UAB’s products to make sure that they strictly live up to their claim of following Shari’ah principles throughout. This ambitious offering allows UAB’s clients to put their trust in their bank, not only as a reliable company, but an Islamically sound one as well.

Endeavour Magazine | 49

AMAZING WORLD BY DAVID KIMBERLEY

CELEBRATING NEW YEAR WITH A BANG!

ast month, we looked at some of the alternative

Christmas

celebrations

from around the world. To continue

the theme, Endeavour now turns to New Year and realizes just how many countries celebrate this by making as much noise as humanly possible. Anyone who has witnessed the fantastic fireworks display on the banks of the River Thames in London to see in the New Year knows just how jaw-dropping celebrations can be for bidding farewell to the old and welcoming the new. For many families in the UK, it is a time for having a drink with loved ones and singing ‘Auld Lang Syne’, a Scottish poem written by Robert Burns in 1788, before using the leftover fireworks from Bonfire Night. The use of noise seems to be a favourite pastime in many countries to celebrate New Year, and perhaps this is all thanks to our ancestors. In ancient Thailand, guns were fired on the turn of the year to frighten off demons. In a similar way, the Chinese would set off firecrackers to keep the forces of darkness at bay. Early American colonists were known to fire pistols into the air too. Today,

you

will

find

church

bells

pealing across Italy, drums beating across Switzerland and a cacophony of sirens and horns across America, bidding the old year farewell in style. Of course, amongst all of this noise booming out across the world, you will hear the unmistakable sound of champagne corks popping, and drink plays a huge part of this celebration. In Scotland, traditionally 50 | Endeavour Magazine

they drank spiced ‘hot pint’ to each others’

in festivities, so does food and New Year is

prosperity, offering this to neighbours along

no different. From Spain comes the strange

with a small gift. Wassail is a punch-like drink

tradition of eating 12 grapes at midnight, one

similar to this ‘hot pint’ whose name comes

for every chime of the clock. Hoppin’ John is

from the Gaelic for ‘good health’, and is

a traditional Southern stew in the US, made

served in some parts of England. In Holland,

from black-eyed peas and pork, and served

they often toast the New Year in with a hot

to represent good fortune. In some cultures,

spiced wine.

eating

As always, where drink plays a big part

ring-shaped

treat

symbolizes

coming full circle, which leads to prosperity

year. Of course, nobody wants to wipe this

are also a whole host of sayings and proverbs

up as that is seen as bad luck!

that are uttered at this time of year:

If you are averse to loud noises, copious food and alcohol, perhaps giving a gift is your preferred way to celebrate New Year. On New Years Day, the Romans once exchanged gilded nuts or coins, whilst the Persians gave eggs, their symbol of fertility, and early Egyptians traded earthenware

in the New Year. An example of this is the

• On New Year’s Eve, kiss the person you hope to keep kissing. • If New Year’s Eve night wind blow south, It betokeneth warmth and growth. • For abundance in the new year, fill your pockets and cupboards today. • If the old year goes out like a lion, the

flasks. In Scotland, a diverse range of gifts

new year will come in like a lamb.

were exchanged to ensure good luck,

However you celebrate New Year, it is a

including coal, silverware and shortbread.

Dutch, who eat fritters called Olie Bollen.

No matter which food you consume,

Other food-based traditions include pastries

gifts you exchange or noise you make

called bannocks being eaten by the Irish, rice

at New Year, the reason behind these

signaling prosperity being consumed in India

worldwide celebrations is to bring good luck

and Pakistan, apples dipped in honey for

and prosperity for the next 12 months. To

Rosh Hashanah and of course the dropping

this end, there are a number of customs and

of whipped cream on the floors of Swiss

beliefs that have been passed down through

homes to signify the richness of the coming

the ages in cultures all over the globe. There

time for being thankful and looking ahead to the next year with optimism and happiness. Here is to a fruitful and productive 2019!

Endeavour Magazine | 51

OSM AVIATION WWW.OSMAVIATION.COM // 0047 67 59 14 00

AHEAD IN THE CLOUDS Getting ahead and standing out in the highly competitive aviation industry isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t easy, as many have found to their cost, but OSM Aviation has taken a different approach, carving itself a niche so specialist that it has soared to the top almost instantaneously. WRITTEN BY AMY BUXTON

OSM AVIATION

Think back to the last flight that you took. Now

consider which elements of the experience transformed it from just another journey into a pleasurable experience in its own right. It was the professionals that ensured your comfort and safety, wasn’t it? Of course it was, because flight deck and cabin crews are the glue that hold any airline together, but rarely are they given the praise or recognition that they deserve, - until now.

SM Aviation not only recognises the business-critical

manage to really harness the results that OSM Aviation does. The

importance of hiring aircrew that are dependable, experienced

reason for this is that recruitment is just the tip of the iceberg in

and capable of representing international brands to the

terms of services provided, with an integrated roster of support

highest standard, it has actively removed this burden from airlines.

systems in place to maintain high standards.

OSM Aviation is the first company to offer total crew

OSM Aviation supports airlines to continuously stay agile and

management, a full range of services including recruitment, training,

legally compliant in all areas of Recruitment, Training, Planning and

and management to planning and execution of both flight deck and

HR. Through utilizing the opportunities of the global work market,

cabin crew.

operators can outperform market competition by recruiting and

This is the future of the aviation industry. No longer will specialist industries need to concern themselves with identifying,

hiring highly qualified Air Crew to render services to airlines, on permanent contracts worldwide.

developing and retaining talent, as there will be experts on hand to

Despite having only been in operation since 2013, OSM Aviation

do all of that for them, with OSM Aviation very much leading the

has quickly risen through the ranks to become a trusted partner

way for the aviation sector.

to some of the world’s largest and most respected airlines, while

A NAME TO TRUST OSM acknowledges that it operates alongside a philosophy that “It’s all about people” and it shows. Considering not only the rights of the air professionals that it works with, but also the experiences

boasting a staffing contingent of 6000. Quite an achievement for any new organisation, but in this case, the management framework was just too strong to ever fail.

A MEETING OF MINDS

of every airline’s end user, the passengers, there is a concurrent

Having celebrated an illustrious career in the air as a Captain and

theme of making sure that satisfaction is guaranteed. As recipes for

Chief Flight Instructor, Espen Høiby decided to change the industry

success go, this one is fairly straightforward and yet, few operations

he loved, from the ground up. He partnered with Bjørn Tore Larsen,

54 | Endeavour Magazine

OSM AVIATION the founder of OSM Maritime, a comparable management specialist

operators need, accessibility, simplicity and quality. As a specialist

for the maritime industry, which led to OSM Aviation taking flight,

company concentrating on crew management, we help to strengthen the competitiveness of our customers while offering employees

“OSM Aviation entered the market in 2013, with a wish to

predictability with competitive pay and working conditions, and

renew the aviation industry, by introducing a new business model

by being globally present, utilizing from our economies of scale,

of how to employ, attract and manage crews as a long-term and

maintaining stabile recruitment across markets and having local

responsible employer.”

knowledge of the places, the people and the culture of where we

By simultaneously identifying and reminding airlines that their

operate provide operators with the comparative advantage and

primary concern needs to be getting the right people on their

agility they need to succeed, - and our employees with the best

aircrafts and then offering to take all of the hard work out of the

working conditions”, Høiby explains.

process, OSM Aviation quickly became the go-to name in aviation

With so many services on offer, busy and often stretched airlines

employment. Garnering an infallible reputation is no easy feat,

simply need to sit back and wait for the flight crews to arrive, on

but the team has managed it with serious aplomb, thanks to some

time, ready to work and delighted to be representing both OSM

genius business strategies,

Aviation and the client. What’s more, OSM Aviation has developed

“It was long overdue to rethink and find a new sustainable

an inspired method of keeping the staffing tanks full as it in

model on how to attract, employ and manage crew in aviation

October 2017 acquired the highly esteemed Scandinavian Aviation

for the benefit of operators and aircrew alike. Our growth serves

Academy in Sweden, rebranded it to OSM Aviation Academy and

as a strong testimony of our ability to merge the requirements

introduced a new and unique “Airline Ready Pilot” concept.

of operators and the expectations and needs of our employees

A future that keeps getting brighter

successfully. I am confident that we are moving towards even

Of course, OSM Aviation is still in the fledgling years, where

more outsourcing and specialization of services. People want, and

processes are streamlined, services are honed and the whole

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business model is made to work just that bit more efficiently, so

offer every candidate a job within OSM Aviation, so it’s a win-win

growth probably isn’t on the cards just yet. Only kidding! Hot off

situation for both us and our candidates.”

the back of a phenomenal first few years in operation, the team

Industry knowledge, firsthand experience and a desire to

is looking for new and increasingly inventive ways to ensure a

innovate is what underpins OSM Aviation, but it’s the people that

constant supply of spectacular staff and it has found the ultimate

represent the operation on the front line that guarantee their

initiative,

continued success. If you want the best, you have to give the best,

“We are excited to announce our plans to open new flight academies in the United States to educate and train ‘airline-ready pilots’. Norway’s former Minister of Transport and Communication, who is now moving to the US, will be heading up the initiative.” This bold move comes as a result of recognising that an

and that’s exactly what Høiby and his team does, with the results speaking for themselves. The next few years are going to be an exciting period of evolution for OSM Aviation, but you can be sure that whatever happens, it’s still going to be “all about people”.

international pilot shortage is imminent. Forecasts show that the demand for air travel will be increasing significantly in the coming years but that qualified pilot numbers will not be able to keep up. The OSM Aviation Academy proposal, , will certainly swing the balance more favourably, as Høiby concluded, “Our professional and integrated flight training programme, through the OSM Aviation Academy, offers dedicated candidates the possibility of getting all licenses and ratings needed to work as a commercial pilot in just 20 months. We call the concept “airlineready pilots”. Already on the onset of our training programme, we

Endeavour Magazine | 57

INDOGUNA WWW.INDOGUNA.COM // 65 6755 0330

CELEBRATING 25 YEARS Whilst we’re still recovering from our many Christmas dinners and weeks of delicious snacks, we turned our attention back to Indoguna – Singapore’s passionate importers and distributors of topquality foods and ingredients. From fresh meats to lovingly prepared own product brands, they have supplied restaurants across the country for 25 years. We returned to Indoguna on their Silver Anniversary to see how the company plans to celebrate. WRITTEN BY ALICE INSTONE-BREWER

INDOGUNA

Singapore is a unique market for culinary ingredients, as

the island has no agriculture of its own. Ingredients for meals must all be imported into the country, and this makes companies such as Indoguna essential. When the distribution company launched its operations in 1993, Singapore’s marketplace for meat was dominated by frozen goods, with little to no chilled or fresh goods available. There was an unmet demand for smaller quantities of higher-quality meat, and Indoguna set out to answer this need.

From this starting point, the company eventually expanded from meats to also include sea food, and from here, they continued to grow until they supplied 80% of the ingredients required to make any meal, leaving canned goods to other companies whilst they focused on everything that gives a dish its distinction. Finally, they added to their own in-house brands to their offerings, taking the high-quality produce they imported and creating delicious ranges such as Carne Meats (their butcher range), Ocean Gems (their seafood range) and Masterpiece (their range of dim sum and ready-to-use products). To read about the evolution of these operations in more detail, you can revisit our 2018 interview with Helene Raudaschl, Indoguna’s Managing Director. This year, we returned to catch up with the signature company in time for their 25th anniversary and to see if much had changed – and the changes we discovered were dramatic. Namely, since we last spoke with Helene, Indoguna has been acquired by Siam Makro, a subsidiary of CP Foods in Thailand. This acquisition has launched Indoguna’s operations overseas, taking their focus beyond their starting place of Singapore to now run additional operations in Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Hong

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60 | Endeavour Magazine

Kong & Macau and Dubai & Abu Dhabi. This new phase of life for Indoguna is happening under the holding company Food Service APME. We reconnected with Helene, who told us this about the holding company: “Under Food Service APME, Indoguna aims to be the market leader in providing quality food and beverage ingredients to the

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INDOGUNA food service markets in Asia Pacific and the Middle East. The aim is

end of 2018. It will be a space for providing butchery services at all

to ensure that our clients and customers have satisfaction and ease

levels for our clients there. We are excited about this opportunity,

of sourcing ingredients with the presence of the growing network

as we believe this will be the future in the food service space well

of Indoguna in Asia Pacific and the Middle East. Today, Food

into the future.” The company is also opening a similar venture in

Service APME operates Indoguna in six countries and 13 cities, and

Thailand, which will go into full operation by Q1 2019.

employs 650 employees.”

To mark their 25th anniversary, and in view of these large-scale

This development has exploded Indoguna onto Asia’s stage,

changes taking place for the company, we asked Helene what some

and the company is rising to the occasion by continuing to

of the biggest lessons were that she has learnt during her time as

innovate and create new products with as much passion as ever.

CEO, and that the company as a whole has learnt since it began.

“We are constantly innovating new products and brining the best

She listed several. Firstly, “Innovation and creativity never stops;

ingredients from around the world to our clients,” Helene tells us,

we have to continuously be innovative to stay as the market leader.”

and the company isn’t short of examples. One of their many house

This lesson was one that Indoguna shared with us when we spoke

brands, Ocean Gems, has launched a number of new products in

with them last year; as Helene explained then, Singapore’s fine

2018, and sales of that line have increased by 26% year-over-year.

dining restaurants are a small but sophisticated market, and one

As the name suggests, this line focuses on sea food; some of the

that evolves at a fast pace. Trends and public tastes change often,

new products available in this range include Hokkaido scallop,

and one must stay alert in order to keep up and keep ahead. Of

Spanish octopus, Hokkaido octopus, slipper lobster, soft shell crab,

course, innovation is only one of many approaches needed to truly

sustainable clams - whole, squid tubes, cuttlefish and live processed

stay on top of the market – you must also take care of your people,

whole, raw and cooked vannemai.

both customers and staff. Helene continued to list Indoguna’s key

On top of this new product line, Indoguna is also branching out

lessons: “Quality brings back customers and not the price; always

to a whole new area of operations: “We are building a brand-new

be true and honest to your stakeholders; our people are the biggest

butchery production in Hong Kong that is slated to open at the

asset in the company that is not on our balance sheet,” and, finally,

62 | Endeavour Magazine

Quality Fresh Salads & Herbs in S.E. Asia

INDOGUNA “Follow your passion to the fullest extent, and the rest will fall in

for her, the best celebration was to see so many members of staff

its place.”

joining this Gold List.

Lessons such as these are learnt from the challenges of day to

Of course, Indoguna are currently marking more than their

day business, but they are learnt most vividly when a company goes

anniversary – it is also the winter season. Just about situated in

through a particular hardship or achieves a great victory. Indoguna’s

the Northern Hemisphere, the always sunny city-state is still

faith in and dedication to its people has been put to the test in the

technically ushering in winter, and with that comes a winter menu,

past, but they and the company have always pulled through: “We

with seasonal imports such as oysters, mussels, winter black

have been through some major crises where we have almost had

truffles, white truffles, goose, and specialty cheeses such as soft,

to retrench people, but in the end, because of team spirit and team

rich Vacherin Mont D’or. Delicious!

cohesion, we pull through each and every crisis without having

Moving forwards, Indoguna aims to continue to bring its passion,

to retrench anyone in the company.” As well as challenges, they

innovation and lovingly sourced products to restaurants and hotels

have also experienced many achievements, including recognition

around Asia Pacific and the Middle East. “We continuously plan to

of their quality and hard work through multiple awards, including

innovate, create and source quality products for our clients from

five consecutive wins of the Enterprise 50 award in Singapore!

around the world. Our aim is constantly to become the market

“Myself, I was awarded with EY Entrepreneur of the Year for F&B

leader in our field of servicing our Food Service clients.” Under

Distribution. But, awards aside, I think seeing the number of

Food Service APME, these markets could well continue to grow,

employees that have hit that Gold List is really a sense of triumph.”

and ever-adapting Indoguna are sure to be ready for them when

The “Gold List” is a list of Indoguna employees who have been with

they do.

the company for ten years and over – a figure that this year went from 23 to 40. Helene described the company’s silver anniversary celebrations as a “lavish get together with our whole team”, but

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16.01.19 17:35

LAKE TURKANA WIND POWER WWW.LTWP.CO.KE // 00254 20 221 3493

WINDS OF CHANGE The Lake Turkana Wind Power project is a showcase publicprivate partnership (PPP) between the Kenyan government and the Lake Turkana Wind Power Limited, that was developed by KP&P Africa B.V and Aldwych International, who first partnered up on the project in 2009. It has also received additional investment and support from the Investment Fund for Developing Countries (IFU), Vestas Eastern Africa Limited, Finnish Fund for Industrial Cooperation Ltd, KLP Norfund Investments AS and Sandpiper. WRITTEN BY ALICE INSTONE-BREWER

LAKE TURKANA WIND POWER

It is the single largest investment in Kenya’s history. As

the project is now operational, we took a look to see how this sustainable project plans to positively impact the country and its people.

ocated in Loiyangalani District, Marsabit County, the Lake Turkana Wind Power project has 365 wind turbines. Each of these 365 turbines has a capacity of 850kW – that’s

310.25MW in total. This power is then stepped-up at a high voltage substation that, in turn, delivers the power to the Kenyan National Grid. Roughly, the farm will provide around 17% of the country’s capacity – that’s a sizable portion to have provided from such a clean and sustainable source. As well as being sustainable, the farm’s supply of power is reliable, and comes through at a low cost, which passes its advantages on to the country at large. LTWP sells the power generated to the Kenya Power & Lighting Company Ltd at a fixed price. The impressive project covers 40,000 acres, of which less than 87.5 are used for the company’s facilities. There are two fenced areas, which are: the substation, for health and safety purposes; and the workers’ accommodation, for security reasons. The rest of the land is open-access, which allows the land to be used by the local nomadic population – an essential consideration for any project covering large areas of land in Kenya. The nomadic people in the area are able to use the project’s land to settle on, graze their livestock and access water. Because of this, only the station’s facilities themselves are fenced off, but the rest of the land is open and free to access.

68 | Endeavour Magazine

LAKE TURKANA WIND POWER The site itself, a 12-hour drive from Nairobi, has a varied

services provided by health centres and has led to an increased

topography that stretches from the foot slopes of Mt Kulal to the

number of patients visiting these facilities. Alone the provision of

south-eastern end of Lake Turkana. It was an area selected for its

electricity at the health centres mentioned above has led to more

strong yet predictable low-wind streams existing between the lake

women giving birth at the facilities rather than at home, because

and the desert; producing the strong wind that the project seeks

patients can now be attended to at night. This has contributed to

to harness.

reducing the risks associated with infant and maternal mortality.

In 2017, the last of the turbines were erected, and in September

Due to the arid nature of Marsabit, water is a scarce commodity.

of 2018, the farm went into operation, after 13 years of planning

To address this challenge, WoC has spearheaded the rehabilitation/

following the completion of the Transmission Infrastructure.

construction of several water boreholes and water supply points

As well as being a boon to the country because of its

in, but not limited to, Arge, Laga el Fereji, Gatab, Ntil, Lonjorin,

sustainable, reliable and affordable energy, the community benefits

Larachi, Sarima, Illaut and Olturot. The project in Arge alone has

directly from its existence. Apart from a being able to access and

led to approximately 3,000 people now being able to access water

use the land on which the wind farm sits, LTWP has also created

within their village rather than having to complete a daily roundtrip

initiatives such as the Winds of Change Foundation (WoC), which

of 28km to obtain water. By providing easier access to water, more

the project funds in order for it to help improve livelihoods in the

time is freed up for other daily duties, e.g. attendance to school by

area. It is expected that, over the twenty-year projected life of the

children who are often sent to collect water.

project, WoC will directly contribute around €10 million to the area in addition to seeking additional funding from various donors. WoC has been active since June 2015 with the objective to help improve local livelihoods in the wider wind farm area by implementing and funding community development projects that improve and enhance access to education, health and water. For example, since 2015, WoC has built various school facilities, including a laboratory at Nyiro Girls Secondary School and at Korole Boys Secondary School, two classrooms at the new Loiyangalani Youth Polytechnic, an extension to the facilities of Sarima Primary School, a dormitory at Nyiro Boys Secondary School as well as install a solar system at Mt. Kulal Girls Secondary School. The laboratories at Nyiro Girls and Korole Boys Secondary Schools make a real difference to students, as these facilities provide a space for them to be able to observe and undertake science experiments before attempting to do so during national examinations. This alone is expected to help improve the academic results of these students, as they will have had an opportunity to practice science experiments before sitting their exams. Health indicators, such as maternal and infant mortality, are extremely poor in the wider project area. A contributing factor is that health centres are poorly equipped and often lack necessities such as access to power, water, medicine or even basic furniture like maternity beds and shelving/storage units. WoC has worked with several health centres to address some of these shortcomings, e.g. by installing solar systems at Laisamis Hospital and the dispensaries in Lontolio, Illaut, Sarima and Buri Aramia. In addition to installing a solar system at Buri Aramia dispensary, WoC also constructed shelving units, connected the facility to an existing borehole, installed a fridge freezer for keeping vaccinations cool, constructed two toilets, supplied maternity beds and constructed an incinerator. Activities such as these significantly improve the quality of the 70 | Endeavour Magazine

As the Foundation says; “WoC works in partnership with the county government, local leaders, NGO’s, CBO’s and government departments in implementing negotiated activities to ensure

EMCG-A10001-00-4A00

optimal stakeholder engagement, participation and ownership. WoC aims to catalyse positive sustainable development to enhance livelihoods in the areas surrounding the wind farm. It is anticipated that the planned social investment activities will enable LTWP and its project partners to become trusted partners in development with the local community around the wind farm and the larger Laisamis constituency.” All of WoC’s projects are located in Laisamis constituency in Marsabit County. These are all exciting projects, but just as exciting is the Lake Turkana Wind Power project itself; a long time in the making, now that this vast farm is up and running, it is bound to make a real difference to Kenya, both in the short term, and also hopefully in the long term of the country’s approach to its power needs.

The power Siemens SAS France performed in Kenya essential electrical transmission grid substations ie Embakasi, Rabai, Suswa and Loiyangalani for KETRACO.

We are very proud to be part of expending electrical network with the construction of LAKE TURKANA wind farm grid connection Loiyangalani substation.

Intelligent and digitally m Siemens applies its unrivalled in-house Project Management excellence to guarantee the deliverables with a “zero-injury” approach thanks to a robust Health & Safety process placed at the core of its projects worldwide.

By offering fully compliant and flexible turnkey solutions, Siemens delivers a peerless and peace of mind solutions & services

new technological solutions – from the transmission of large amounts of green comprehensive automation of distribu The convergence of operational and in technology is a fundamental precondit successful and efficient tackling of the

The power to make power happen

Enter Siemens, the technology company that provides the most comprehensive integrated range of top-notch electrification, automation, and digitalization products and services.

The power

Globally present and trusted, Siemens combines expertise in all areas of power transmission and distribution with a unique link to automation, drive, and information technology. Along with decades of worldwide experience and a firm commitment to customer success, this distinctive factor makes Siemens the partner of choice for safe, sustainable, and efficient power infrastructures.

Intelligent and digitally m

Wherever and whenever power is needed, energy management technology from Siemens makes sure it arrives at its destination – across all power levels and with a reliable roadmap to the future. A prime example is the role Siemens plays as »Strategic Partner of Enel for the Smart Grid Technology at EXPO Milano 2015.«

The power to make power happen -A10001-00-4A00

EMCG-A10001-00-4A00

The world‘s energy systems are changing across all voltage levels. New operational challenges are calling for new technological solutions – from the long-distance transmission of large amounts of green power to the comprehensive automation of distribution infrastructures. The convergence of operational and information technology is a fundamental precondition for the successful and efficient tackling of these tasks.

1-00-4A00

Enter Siemens, the technology compan the most comprehensive integrated ra electrification, automation, and digital and services.

Intelligent and digitally managed power transmission and distribution

EMCG-A10001-00-4A00

Known for walking the talk, Siemens could be considered as a Trusted Partner to Lake Turkana, as to world‘s Ketraco forenergy any Energysystems Project and is willing The are changi to sustain the governmental “Powering Freedom” voltage New operational challen initiative in levels. Kenya.

Intelligent and digitally managed power transmission and distribution

The power t siemens.com/energy-management

The world‘s energy systems are chang Endeavour Magazine | 71 voltage levels. New operational challe

AUTOMOTIVES

OUR TOP 3 DRIVES FROM 2018 Our car reviews get the best job in the office: we’ve had many enviable vehicles pass through Endeavour in the past year, and been envious we all have! Our Editor asked our reviewers to look back on the past 12 months’ cars, and pick out their Top 3 overall models. What they brought us were three undeniable stars, though each with their own distinct flavour: one is from an eco-friendly and highly on-trend company, another is an undeniable American classic, and the third brand is making a surprising comeback. These are Endeavour’s Top 3 Drives of 2018:

72 | Endeavour Magazine

TESLA MODEL S 100D

going and enjoy what this car has to offer.

ANTHONY LETCHUMANAN

an EV and a petrol/diesel car are the four

I was very sceptical when I picked up this

different modes of charging, the use of the

month’s test car, a Tesla Model 100D, simply

deceleration to brake the car and the surreal

because I am and always have been a petrol-

sense of extremely quick acceleration within

head. How wrong I was!

a cocoon of relative silence. Comparing

The main points of difference between

From the time I got behind the wheel

this to the Ferrari 360 Modena, which is

of the Model S 100D, there was a subtle

always a screaming song and dance when

sense of refinement, power and willingness

accelerating, I (surprisingly) got used to this

to obey any command given without fuss.

silent ‘ninja’ style acceleration and found

The initial orientation from the sales staff at

that it brings its own kind of adrenalin buzz.

the Tesla Chiswick was very informative and

The 0-60 speed is more or less the same

straightforward, so it was easy for me to get

between the Ferrari 360 and the Model S

100D, which is around four seconds, but the

suspension and intelligent road mapping

125 miles. I found that the controls for all

way both these cars achieve this appears to

(which enables the car to remember all

the driving functions were identical to any

be different. The acceleration in the Tesla

of the bumps and dips on a road that you

other luxury car and very ergonomically laid

feels more confident. I got repeated kicks

have previously driven over, and adjust the

out. When I got out at my home, I was as

from accelerating off at traffic lights (within

suspension to accommodate it), the overall

refreshed as I would have been in my Range

the road speed limit) and looking at the

experience is uniquely satisfying. Even

Rover Vogue.

amazed looks on Porsche and BMW drivers

small details like the car recognising the key

I found that I got used to driving style

when they eventually caught up with me:

owner, automatically unlocking the door

of the Model S very quickly. My teenage

unless you are aware of the performance of

and extending the door handle out makes a

children also thought that it was a perfect

a Tesla, it comes as a complete surprise.

driver feel like there is a dialog with his/her

car to be seen in by their contemporaries,

vehicle.

which I found refreshingly surprising (again)!

From a luxury point of view, I will go as far as to say that the Model S will easily

This same expensive feel is prevalent in

compare to any top-end marque currently

almost all aspects of the vehicle. I drove the

on the market. Due to features such as air

car from London to Suffolk - a distance of

The cost of the Tesla Model S varies from around ÂŁ70,000 to ÂŁ150,000 + Endeavour Magazine | 73

FORD MUSTANG 5.0 V8 GT SHADOW 6 SPEED MANUAL STEVE WARMAN Even if you loathe American muscle cars, you cannot deny that this Mustang is a goodlooking vehicle. It might not have the finesse of other super-cars, but it also doesn’t have the price tag. The Ford Mustang GT costs the same as, say, a Mondeo, but a Mondeo doesn’t look and sound this divine. This car is all about the grin factor, and it provides that by the bucket load. The big V8 grabs attention wherever it is seen or heard. If you are worried about MPG, then read no further – yet, for a sports car, this Mustang makes real sense as a purchase, able to 74 | Endeavour Magazine

double as a drivable, practical every-day

the sports models I have driven hard had a

vehicle, as long as you don’t mind frequent

tendency to bite you when you relax, not so

visits to a petrol station.

with the big Mustang.

I clocked up 500 miles in this car and

The

Americans

historically

produce

every one was pure fun. I even braved a

muscle cars that rocket in a straight line but

140-mile round trip with four adults, and

become loose cannons around the twisty

we all got out feeling fine. Granted, the

bits. However, Ford has developed the

rear seats don’t have a lot of leg or head

Mustang to excel in handling around corners.

room, but they still offer plenty more than

To achieve this, they have removed the

most sports cars. The engine is peachy and

previous suspension set-up and replaced it

useable in traffic - not fiery and twitchy like

with independent suspension in each corner,

you might expect. Open her up, though, and

not revolutionary as a concept, but new for

she excels – wow! With a 4.8 second 0-62,

the Mustang. The change transforms the

the front lifts with an angry howl from the

car: not only is it fun and punchy to drive,

exhaust pipes, feeling stable and secure. This

it now stays flat on the corners and the

car can be driven fast and safely on normal

steering is sharp.

roads, which is not always the case; many of

The interior looks fantastic and works

well with the design of the car, but inspect

that I got to drive further! Also, whilst Ford

it too closely and you can see how Ford

have skimped on some details, they have

have kept the cost down. Tap on the plastic

put thought into others: for example, at

surrounds and they have a brittle sound

night, the car projects lights in the shape of

quality to them; the cup holders are in a

mustangs on the ground beside the car – it

stupid position, as any cup gets in the way

was an awesome little touch, and I loved it.

of the fabulous stubby gearstick; whilst

It is rare for me to not want to give a

boot volume is passable, it has a oddly

car back at the end of the test, but the

shaped opening that makes it difficult to

Mustang was a break from the norm. I

put anything inside. However, these little

absolutely loved everything about it - even

details are lacking compared to other cars

its few idiosyncrasies that just confirmed it

out there – but something had to give. If you

is American and a Mustang!

can overlook these small elements, this car is

Standard car-on-the-road price of

brilliant and great value for money. There is

£39,965.00

also no Sat Nav included with the model as standard, but I didn’t mind this so much, as whenever I got lost it carried the plus side Endeavour Magazine | 75

SKODA KODIAQ SPORTLINE 2.0 TDI 190 PS DSG 4X4

market. Drive any one of their range, and

rear seats also slide to give the back two

you will see why; even their most modest

more room and make all passengers more

models have a reassuring quality feel

comfortable. When they are tucked away,

STEVE WARMAN

about them.

the luggage area is vast.

The Kodiaq is Skoda’s latest game-changing SUV model, released in 2017. It looks cool and fresh, oozing personality: who would have thought that Skoda would shake off its old image to be labelled as cool and fresh? I love everything about Skoda, from the company’s humble beginnings to how it has pulled its name from the skip to produce some of the best cars that your hard-earned money can buy. The Skoda brand has skyrocketed to being one of the most desired and innovative brands on the 76 | Endeavour Magazine

The Kodiaq’s cabin is smart and made

The Kodiaq‘s rear load cover is simply

with high-quality materials. The 9.2-inch

brilliant: a blind pulls across the boot and,

touchscreen information centre with sat

when it’s not needed, can be conveniently

nav is obvious and easy to navigate. In the

stored underneath the false floor. This

Sportline, the cabin contains one-piece

design is a solution to an ongoing parcel

bucket seats that are incredibly comfortable

shelf problem in most cars!

and supportive. In all Kodiaqs, the chairs

The Kodaiq has a good high driving

come in two arrangements - five or seven

position with light steering that is solid and

- that each provide plenty of leg and head

grippy. For a big car, it’s incredibly quiet,

room. The two back fold-down seats are

and you should get around 50 MPG. It has

tight but usable, and even when all seven

very clever door protectors that pop out

seats are up, the boot is still a fair size. The

and wrap round the edges when your doors

THE WINNER? How can we pick a champion from our top three? It really depends what you are looking for: if you want to be kinder to the environment, or you simply want to experience a taste what all of your favourite celebrities and YouTubers are driving, then go with the Tesla. If you’re in love with classic brands and want a slice of that American open-road dream, then a Mustang is always a Mustang. However, if you aren’t concerned with having a fashionable name attached to your vehicle, then the Skoda Kodiaq is a worthy surprise contender. We loved all three, and we’re looking forward to getting our eager little hands on more models from these companies in 2019!

open and retract back when the doors are shut.

The boot light is, conveniently, a

removable magnetic torch, and there are even umbrellas in the front doors - what a lovely touch! Dare I say that this is the perfect allround SUV within this price bracket? Or even compared to cars in much higher price brackets? It is just a fantastic car, and with a very reasonable price tag. All round, it is a top of the class, lovely car. Kodiaq prices start from RRP £24,330. Sportlines start from £37,590

Endeavour Magazine | 77

AZMET TECHNOLOGY & PROJECTS WWW.AZMET.CO.ZA // 0027 86 1129 638

CHANGING THE GAME For South African engineering company AZMET Technology & Projects, “Engineering is not a profession - it’s a passion.” With a slogan like that, we were curious to see the standard of the operations taking place at AZMET and to explore what this passion is able to produce. WRITTEN BY ALICE INSTONE-BREWER

AZMET TECHNOLOGY & PROJECTS

AZMET Technology & Projects is a multi-disciplined

engineering design and project management company operating out of South Africa. They claim that their knowledge and experience all stem from a foundation of understanding a variety of metallurgical processes. This knowledge covers all metals, but in particular is focused in on gold, silver, copper, cobalt, uranium, manganese, zinc and lead.

his know-how allows them to propose and perform practical

mineral processing plants, which puts them in a perfect position to

and economic solutions for their clients. As the company

guide AZMET and make sure that they are offering their clients the

states, “AZMET has not only successfully completed studies

very best. Their experience is largely from companies and projects

and projects for some of the world’s leading mineral producers, but

around Africa, but they have also worked in Turkey, South America,

is also diverse enough to be able to provide cost effective solutions

Kazakhstan, Russia and Canada. This has given the team insight

for junior mining companies.”

into global standards, as well as a global sense of how different

In essence, AZMET provides engineering, procurement,

companies are expecting to operate.

construction and project management services to the global mining

Arguably, the most important element of AZMET’s services

and mineral industry. However, it is this expertise with metals

is their value engineering. As AZMET explains, “Consideration of

that they pride themselves in, and off the back of this, they have

value engineering is an integral part of any project. The AZMET

developed a series of technologies and processes to help deal with

team can provide value engineering input to any project from the

“difficult to treat” ores. As the company explains, “We specialize in

start, working in an integrated manner with the client. During

Refractory Ores, Heap Leach, VMS and multi mineral ore separation

the review of designs and development of an implementation

and beneficiation. The added-value of our products and process

plan and schedule, the AZMET team investigate and resolve

technologies were all developed to increase yield and reduce

issues with consideration typically given to items such as plant

project and/or operational CAPEX and OPEX requirements.”

layout, scheduled delivery and construction sequencing, special

AZMET describes its mission as “to provide professional,

transportation considerations and the optimising of implemented

environmentally safe, cost effective metallurgical services to

systems.” This attention to detail is something that the company

the global mining sector by utilising specialised process designs

can offer not only to the design of a plant, but to the way that a

and the latest technologies to optimise client cashflow through

plant’s management is organised and run. In fact, they will help to

service excellence underpinned by dedication, integrity and

streamline every part of a plant’s operations:

ethical conduct.”

“Historically, most mining companies designed and constructed

Heading up this company is a management team that can

their processing facilities with huge safety margins to enable

boast five decades of experience in the industry between them. In

possible future expansions. However, it is quite a costly exercise

particular, they have worked in the design and implementation of

to establish a new mineral processing facility. In today’s recession,

80 | Endeavour Magazine

AZMET TECHNOLOGY & PROJECTS mining companies cannot always afford to construct new facilities

create the most accurate and cost-effective results. Likewise, the

when considering significant expansions, but rather investigate

AZMET Cyanide Recovery Process (AZ-CRP) is a cost-effective way

ways to improve on their underutilised processing equipment.

to recover cyanide from the plant tails stream.

AZMET assist current mining houses to explore expansion

All of these solutions focus on extracting as much as can be

possibilities in their operating processing facilities in the form of

drawn from materials that might otherwise produce a low or

plant evaluations. Once an evaluation has been conducted, AZMET

inefficient yield. AZMET’s final key technology of their own design

will share its findings and recommendations with the client. AZMET

is slightly different. The AZMET Ultra-Fine Screening (AZ-UFS)

will then assist in the engineering functions required to realise

seeks to improve classification. As the company declares, “Primary

these recommendations.”

classification inefficiencies should be a problem of the past!” They

Of course, invaluable though all of this is, AZMET Technology

explained in greater detail:

& Projects would not be complete without its technology. As

“Ultra-fine screening technology has developed in recent years

we have said, it is these developments that have, in many ways,

and can be successfully installed as a reliable primary classification

set AZMET apart - this is where the company’s problem-solving

processing unit. Although a larger footprint will be required, the

towards metallurgical issues shines through. The first key piece

comminution and recovery benefits to date have shown project

on their roster is the AZMET Basic Leach Technology (AZ-BLT), a

CAPEX payback periods from as little as a couple of months. On top

process route developed by the company as a cost-effective way

of this, the additional mill capacity created as a result of improved

to recover copper from low grade secondary copper minerals.

classification efficiency can be utilised by either a finer mill product

Another is the AZMET Reduced Leach Technology (AZ-RLT), an

grind or additional ROM throughout.”

acid leach process developed for the beneficiation of base metal

“AZMET has developed an IP test procedure in which the

complexed ores. Both of these technologies took already proven

comparative hydro-cyclone vs ultrafine screening test work can

processes from the mining industry and put a new spin on them to

be conducted. The test work results, together with the client’s

82 | Endeavour Magazine

plant operating data, are used to conduct trade-off and high-level financial models which will indicate the possible payback period and NPV on implementing such a change.” AZMET’s latest test results have shown a considerable increase in recoveries of base metals using this technology. On top of these various innovative technologies, the company also offers many of its own products, from Fines Filters that claim to maximise gold production whilst increasing water recovery, to Mercury Scrubbers, which use water contact to condense the mercury contained in extracted gas. Again, these developments have been designed off the back of AZMET’s intimate knowledge of all things metal, to make sure that every need is covered. Their aim is to make sure that a plant isn’t merely functioning, but is doing so at optimum efficiency, making the absolute most of every resource, from the minerals in their ore to the machinery on their lot.

AZMET wants to commend the KEEGOR GROUP for its professionalism & going the extra mile.

Keegor Group supplied the following specialized gold room equipment to various AZMET global clients: • Smelting Furnaces (diesel-fired & electric) complete with associated equipment. • Mercury Retort Furnaces complete with the Mercury Scrubbing & Collection System. • Pot Filters • Needle Guns • Mercury Scrubbing & Collection Systems for the Carbon Regeneration off-gas.

Endeavour Magazine | 83

AMAZING WORLD A BRIEF HISTORY OF NEW YEARS

are

the

us all to have a well-rounded knowledge of

between 21st and 24th June to celebrate

celebrations that occur at the end

the history surrounding the celebrations and

the return of the sun, and Nepalese New

of the year - that’s right, the New

traditions that we partake in. The importance

Year is celebrated between 12th and

Year’s festivities! Whether this is a moment

of New Year’s Day has changed throughout

15th of April. The 1st of January may be

spent quietly reflecting on the year that

the years and differs from culture to culture.

widely accepted as the time for New Year

has just passed, or a time for drinking and

After all, it is still celebrated on different

celebrations in Western cultures but it’s still

partying with loved ones, it certainly is a

dates around the world! For example, the

not of completely universal significance.

period that allows everyone a fresh start.

Chinese New Year is celebrated at any time

Historically, it wasn’t necessarily the case

between January 21st and February 21st,

that New Years Day was celebrated on the

Christmas, Halloween, etc, it is important for

Indigenous communities in Chile get festive

1st January. Calendars in the early period

However,

all

familiar

similar

84 | Endeavour Magazine

with

BY JAMES LAPPING

fashion

continued as New Year’s Day, it generally ended up being celebrated at slightly different times in the year; for a period, it was aligned with the incarnation of Jesus and was celebrated in March. The official reinstatement of New Year’s Day on 1st January came with the installation of the Gregorian Calendar in 1582. This was merely a correction of the Julian Calendar, altering the calculation of when Easter would fall in the year so that it went back to the Spring season, when it was originally celebrated by early Christians. The mutual recognition of New Year’s Day on the 1st January across the entirety of

Europe

eventually

occurred

when

stubborn, non-Catholic England decided to synchronise with its neighbours on the continent, introducing the Gregorian calendar in 1752. Though this is currently the most widely recognised calendar across the globe, as has been previously mentioned, 1st January is still not universally recognised as the beginning of the New Year. Despite the connotations of religious rites dissipating over the years, there are many widely of the Roman Empire differed greatly: the

Whilst New Year’s Day was used as a mere

accepted truths that remain significant to

year variously began in May, March, and

formality by Caesar and the Romans, at the

all New Year’s celebrations, no matter what

even sometimes in January. It wasn’t until

formation of the Christian Church (which

date you are celebrating it on. It is a time

the reign of Julius Caesar that January 1st

eventually spread across the Roman Empire),

for closure on the past year - whether you

became cemented as the fixed date for the

the date was used to celebrate the Feast of

had a good time or not, it is important to

New Year. Caesar requested a calendar that

the Circumcision of Christ. This is held 7-8

reflect on these events and allow yourself

aligned with the movement of the earth

days after the birth of Christ, and according

to develop positively in the year to come,

around the sun, allowing time to become

to Jewish custom at the time of his birth, this

perhaps by making a resolution of some

consistent with the seasons, and therefore

is when He would have been named. Within

kind. Many people become much more

beyond the control of human influence. The

the Roman Catholic Church, the purpose of

existentially aware at the start of the New

Julian Calendar holds particular significance

the celebration was slightly altered and was

Year: another year has passed and there are

as it eventually became the basis of the very

practised as a feast honouring the Mother

so many things to be grateful for, especially

similar Gregorian Calendar, the one most

of God, Mary.

for having the opportunity to spend time

widely used around the earth to this day.

After the fall of the Roman Empire around

with loved ones. Reflection, resolution and

Caesar originally used this special date at

500 A.D., the use of the Julian Calendar fell

celebration have become central tenets

the start of his calendar for the reconvening

out of use too. The replacement in Europe

of New Year’s in the 21st Century, and no

of the Senate in Rome, and if someone

was inconsistent and led to holidays such

matter which calendar you use or date you

was to begin a role within public office,

as Easter falling into the incorrect seasons.

celebrate it on, these are things everyone in

this is when they would start their role.

Though the 1st of January technically

the world can agree on. Endeavour Magazine | 85

SOL GUYANA WWW.SOLPETROLEUM.COM/ABOUT-US/OUR-NETWORK/GUYANA/ // 00592 233 0582

READY FOR NEW OPPORTUNITIES Last year began with an economychanging discovery for Guyana when the small coastal country was suddenly confirmed as sitting on vast oil deposits. We spoke with Liz Wyatt, General Manager of Sol Guyana Inc., about the impact that this discovery is set to have on country, and the ways that companies like Sol are already responding. WRITTEN BY ALICE INSTONE-BREWER

SOL GUYANA

Founded in 2005, The Sol Group of companies was

formed through the acquisition of Shell’s business in the Eastern Caribbean, Guyana, Suriname and Belize. After expanding into Puerto Rico through further acquisitions in 2006, the energy group strengthened its presence in Guyana the following year through the acquisition of assets belonging to Exxon in the country, as well as similar purchases in Suriname and Haiti.

he Caribbean-based group describe their mission today as

includes tight working bonds with some of Sol Guyana’s affiliated

the same one that inspired them then: to power the region

companies, including the group’s supply and logistics company with

reliably and safely. Named after the Spanish word for “sun”,

a fleet of dedicated marine vessels, which works closely with Sol

the group says of itself, “Our name and our sunburst logo are direct

Guyana in providing reliable, quality products to meet the needs of

representations of our team’s energy and commitment to being a

its customers and partners.

central element of all aspects of life in the Caribbean. The Sol visual brand reflects the vibrancy of the Caribbean.”

COMMITTED TO HEALTH & SAFETY

Ten years after Sol solidified its involvement in Guyana, the

However, one of Sol Guyana’s key attributes is its reputation for

country that was long predicted rich oil deposits finally made a

health & safety and a sturdy environment management system. “I

discovery that should change the course of its fortunes: in January

can’t stress enough how much emphasis we place on safe practices,

2017, both Exxon Mobil and Hess announced that explorative

training and protocols. We are acutely aware of the importance of

deep-water drilling had discovered one of the richest oil and gas

health, safety, security and the environment in our industry.” Sol’s

deposits to be found in decades, just off of the country’s coast.

track record for safety allows them to stand out in this sector: “We

As a small nation with low power requirements, Guyana would be

are very proud of our safety record and we are confident that this

able to export most of the oil and gas it retrieved from its deposits,

will help present and future partners to look favorably upon us.”

which could mean a revolution for the country economically.

Sol Guyana is aware that these safety measures do not just

As major oil industry players start to take an interest in the

protect oil interests, but protect Guyana’s environment and thus,

country in the wake of this discovery, Sol Guyana is in a strong

both its residents and its other industries. “It’s not just all about oil

position to catch their eye and form a partnership on the project:

– we must not forget about the mining, the agriculture, the fishing

“We’re fortunate as we have a lot of experience in the oil industry

- these are very important industries.” Through its safe practices,

which strategically positions Sol in the market.” Liz explains with

Sol Guyana supports these essential industries, and in turn, the

confidence. “We are ideally situated alongside the shoreline here in

country’s future as the oil industry expands.

Guyana, and we have excellent relationships with a lot of the new

“Sol’s dedication to safe practices is being demonstrated through

companies coming in because of our existing associations.” This

upgrades of retail sites with state-of-the-art technology to ensure

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we continue to meet industry standards and prevent environmental

through a variety of social initiatives, to encourage the country’s

impact. We have an active programme of replacing all single

population to join their efforts in protecting its natural resources.

wall steel underground storage tanks and pipelines with double

For example, on World Oceans Day this year, the company led a

walled tanks and pipelines. These replacements are coupled with

beach cleanup – an event close to the heart of ocean-loving Liz.

installation of electronic monitoring for the fuel system. Our pier at

They also use this opportunity to promote awareness on ocean

the depot in Rome is also being upgraded to improve its capacity

conservation: “This country of course is a land of many waters, and

and capabilities. The new pier will be outfitted with state-of-the-art

we’re trying to get people thinking about not throwing their plastic

technology, pumping systems and pipelines to adequately meet the

bottles into the water. Basically, we have lubricants that go into the

future demands of the market. We continuously invest in human

boat engine, and people would just chuck the bottle over the side,

resources through training, an example of this is the recently held

so we started an initiative at our jetties that collects the bottles and

Oil Spill Emergency Response Training with Exxon Mobil.

dispose of them properly.”

In addition, we continuously monitor our bulk storage tanks

The Guyanese population is not the only group that Sol Guyana

conducting tank inspections every 10 years as per industry

has been appealing to and sharing ideas with: to truly make a

standard ensuring to make the necessary upgrades. These are just

difference on environmental safety in the wake of the oil revolution,

some of the ways that we live our commitment to safety and the

the company has also been speaking with the government and

environment in every single community in which we operate.”

overseas entities. “Following the launch of the American Chamber

It must be noted that Sol Guyana has strategically located

of Commerce, we’re going to be actively working with governments

depots to sufficiently supply the entire country. This definitely adds

and the US Embassy here to promote safety, and to exchange ideas

to the company’s competitive advantage.

and share expertise on matters like the petroleum legislation or the sovereign wealth fund.” The company is becoming deeply involved

SOL IN THE COMMUNITY

in conversations with both government channels and NGOs to

As well as being careful with its own practices and infrastructure, Sol Guyana also acts on its commitment to environmental safety

ensure that Guyana implements global standards as it adapts to its exciting future.

Contact: Endeavour Magazine | 89

SOL GUYANA READY FOR THE FUTURE “I think Guyana is going to go through a massive transformation. That’s a given. I concur with the country’s vision in regards to the green economy relying on technology. The country has an opportunity now to catch up on a digital-technology based platform. The initiatives that are being built now, which oil revenue will allow, will revolutionize how people interact with banking systems and multiple other transactions that would influence the individual, corporate and government daily interactions. Ultimately, I think Guyana is now getting and extraordinary opportunity to implement the best and most innovative technologybased platforms. Although Guyana is celebrating its oil as a game-changing breakthrough, Sol is conscious about the need to pursue alternative fuels and renewable energy solutions. We are aware of the country’s growing focus for some time now on renewable energy. Sol Guyana is far from short sighted: “Industries are dynamic and, while we foresee significant growth in our sector for years to come, we are also aware other players might take roles on this business such as: natural gas, solar, and hydroelectric power. The dynamics

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of the business are not new to Sol, therefore, we’ve already actively tendered on the natural gas plant and would continue to assess any reasonable opportunity that would support to our objective of providing energy solutions. Sol Guyana is aware of the promising years ahead; those are likely to be crucial and profitable for the country. “The next couple of years are a stimulating time for Sol Guyana, as they respond to this historical time and try to anticipate its ever-changing factors. Our Sol Team is no exception, every Monday morning, the team discusses topics that they might have read over the weekend – we drill down to get a deeper understanding in many cases. It’s very exciting. As the exact plans for action settle across the country, the run up to 2020 and beyond is sure to only get more exciting still: we look forward to seeing what the future holds, both for The Sol Group and for Guyana as an economy.”

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