JULY 2018
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J
uly
has
been
international
a
celebration
connectivity
of
out about their stunning holiday resort
at
on the beautiful volcanic South Korean
Endeavour. As the countries in our
hemisphere well and truly start to embrace
Editorial Researcher James Lapping james@littlegatepublishing.com
summer, we’ve been speaking with a
Editorial Researcher Will Girling willgirling@littlegatepublishing.com
good things in life: we spoke with Creative
Editorial Researcher Alex Hayes alexhayes@littlegatepublishing.com
catering group who are filling Singapore
Editorial Researcher Dennis Morales dennismorales@littlegatepublishing.com Corporate Director Anthony Letchumaman anthonyl@littlegatepublishing.com Lead Designer Alina Sandu studio@littlegatepublishing.com Publisher Stephen Warman stevewarman@littlegatepublishing.com Any enquiries or subscriptions can be sent to info@littlegatepublishing.com 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
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variety of companies that are all about the Eateries, a multi-branded restaurant and with a whole host of dining experiences, from Western food to Chinese and Thai, and at a range of tiers. Their international flavours and constant passion for food bring joy to Singapore dining whilst maintaining that
competitive
edge,
much
like
Singapore’s ingredient-providing Indiguna. In South Africa, we spoke to The Munching Mongoose - a delivery service for fresh and exciting produce who are taking that same love of variety and good food and bringing it to people’s doors. Whilst Creative Eateries draws the world’s food together under their restaurant roofs, The Munching Mongoose draws families together for memories of home cooking and inspired meals. Meanwhile, on a more industrial note of connectivity, we spoke with the GCCIA - the Gulf Cooperation Council Interconnection Authority. GCCIA work to oversee electrical
of view expressed in articles by attributing
power and telecommunications between
writers and/or in advertisements included in this
the six GCC nations. Even as trials began in
magazine do not necessarily represent those of the publisher. Any resemblance to real persons,
late June to address the GCC’s blockade of
living or dead is purely coincidental. Whilst
Qatar, a year after it came into effect, we
every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of
spoke with a company who are working to
the information contained within this magazine,
keep the nations interlinked.
no legal responsibility will be accepted by the publishers for loss arising from use of information
On a fascinating note, we spoke with
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medical software company Cerner about
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Jeju Island. Speaking of summer, we cranked up the heat with our Amazing World series, looking at two of the world’s strangest fire phenomena – startling ‘fire tornadoes’, a global weather event, and the ever burning ‘Door to Hell’ in Turkmenistan. To keep things metal, we also looked at the Czech Republic’s infamous ‘Skull Church’! To end on a serious note, in our focus story, we wanted to acknowledge the horrific recent events in the USA that have drawn attention to its border control’s unhumanitarian treatment of immigrant families. With children torn from their parents and kept in crowded cages, where the older children were left to care for the younger, America and the world alike have been stunned by the cruelty that was revealed. We looked at this and the controversial solutions that have now been put in place, by speaking with a group who are working to help: RAICES - The Refugee and Immigrant Center for Education and Legal Services, who offer low cost legal aid to immigrant children, families and refugees. We hope you take the time to read this and support their efforts, and we also hope you have an enjoyable July 2018.
ALICE INSTONE-BREWER
their innovative vision for the how data
by any means without the prior written consent of
connectivity could change the face of
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healthcare, whilst on a lighter one, Landing
Copyright © Littlegate Publishing Ltd 2018
Jeju spoke summer fun with us as we found
Endeavour Magazine | 3
CONTENTS
FEATURES
LILONGWE WATER BOARD
4 | Endeavour Magazine
16 Cerner Middle East Re-imagining Medicine 26 Munching Mongoose Delicious Deliveries 34 Creative Eateries A Taste Of Everything 40 GCC Interconnection Authority Keeping Interconnected 46 Aqaba Container Terminal Lightening The Load 54 Muneshwers Limited Cut From The Right Cloth 60 Moratelindo Keeping The World Connected 66 Coega Development Corporation A Whole New World 72 Lilongwe Water Board For Everyone, All The Time 78 Landing Jeju Development Co. Ltd Hidden Adventures 84 Qatalum Supporting A Vision 92 Kuku Foods A Finger-Lickin’ Franchise 98 Al Ahlia A Spark Of Recognition 106 National Petroleum Marketing Company Fuel For Thought 112 Water Authority - Cayman Islands Overflowing Success 120 Indoguna Singapore Quality Taste 128 Nomad Adventure Africa Tours The Call Of The Wild 134 MM Intergrated Steel Mills Steeling The Show 140 National Energy Powering Up
CREATIVE EATERIES
ARTICLES 6 7 8 10 11
Business Headlines Africa Americas Asia Europe Middle East
Focus 12 RAICES – Reuniting Families 32 52 104
Amazing World Memento mori: The Sedlec Ossuary Fire Tornadoes Darvaza gas crater: the “Door to Hell
90
Automotives Volvo XC40 2018
LANDING JEJU DEVELOPMENT CO. LTD Endeavour Magazine | 5
BUSINESS HEADLINES AFRICA ZIMBABWE TO CONDUCT SWEEPING SECURITY DETAILS REFORMS Zimbabwe’s
President,
representative to join its government for
in the Southern African nation, which has
talks, but ruled out Machar himself.
around 10,000 people with albinism, the
The war that broke out in 2013, less than
Emmerson
two years after oil-rich South Sudan gained
Mnangagwa, is expected to make across
independence from Sudan, has killed tens
the board changes on his security detail
of thousands and forced millions from their
following an apparent assassination bid in
homes. Sudan has struggled economically
which a bomb exploded at a political rally.
since the oil-rich south seceded, and is
Local media have reported that there
facing its worst budget crisis for years.
agency said.
KENYAN ‘ATTEMPTED MURDER’ CHARGE OVER SUBSTANDARD FERTILISER A Kenyan magistrate’s court has charged the head of the state-run standards body,
will be thorough scrutiny and changes at his
seven other officials and two businessmen
security team.
with attempted murder for allowing the
The report said that there would be
importation
an “overhaul of security agencies’ advance
of
substandard
fertiliser
containing mercury.
work, protective details, radio technology,
Kenya has been hit by a series of
and more agents would now be at the
scandals
president’s side at all times”.
suppliers that the authorities say led to the
The explosion rocked the White City Stadium
where
President
Emmerson
Mnangagwa was addressing thousands of his supporters.
SIX CANDIDATES WITH ALBINISM IN MALAWI’S UPCOMING ELECTIONS
involving
bogus
tenders
and
theft of hundreds of millions of shillings from government bodies by state officials. Police
arrested
Charles
Ongwae,
managing director of the Kenya Bureau of
Mnangagwa managed to escape unhurt,
The Association of People with Albinism
Standards’ (KEBS), and the other officials
while at least 49 people, including the
in Malawi has announced that it will put
after finding that the fertiliser imported from
president’s two deputies were injured.
forward six candidates for 2019 presidential
Morocco was approved for sale despite
The blast came as Zimbabwe prepared
and parliamentary elections. The association
failing KEBS’s standards.
to hold its first post-Mugabe presidential
hopes that this is will help fight stigma
The Office of the Director of Public
election on July 30, with 75-year-old
in the society. Malawi is one of the most
Prosecutions said on Twitter they were
Mnangagwa
Nelson
dangerous countries in the world for people
charged
Chamisa, the leader of the opposition
and
40-year-old
living with albinism – a lack of pigmentation
the importation of 5,846,000 bags of
Movement for Democratic Change, the
in the skin, hair and eyes – who are targeted
substandard fertiliser.
main contenders.
so that their body parts can be used in magic potions and other ritual practices
SOUTH SUDAN RIVALS SIGN PEACE DEAL
Overstone Kondowe, director of the Malawi, said that fielding political candidates
South Sudanese rival leaders signed a a ceasefire would take hold after 72 hours. The
minister,
Al-Dirdiri
Mohamed
attempted
murder
over
A charge sheet presented in court by the prosecutor’s office said the fertiliser
Association of People with Albinism in
peace agreement in Khartoum, under which
with
would go a long way in changing how people with albinism were viewed in Malawi.
contained mercury. KEBS is responsible for checking the standard of goods entering the country. Eight of the 10 defendants appeared before Kenneth Cheruiyot, senior principal
“We want to show the public that we are more than our skin,” he said.
magistrate in Nairobi, and pleaded not guilty. Two others were not present in court.
Ahmed, said the agreement also included the
In 2016, Malawi passed a law to tackle
The prosecutor’s office said they were
opening of crossings for humanitarian aid,
an increase in killings of albinos in the
also charged with procurement of fake
the freeing of prisoners and the formation of
country. The Penal Code Amendment Act
standardisation sticker marks worth 882
a provisional government after four months
and Revised Anatomy Act created new
million shillings ($8.75 million), aiding the
The two leaders met for talks to end
offenses and tougher penalties for those
commission of felony, breach of trust and
who attack albinos in the country.
abuse of office.
a civil war that broke out in 2013, less than two years after the country gained
Amnesty
President Uhuru Kenyatta vowed to
killings
stamp out corruption when he was first
In another round of talks in Addis
continue. The United Nations recently
elected in 2013 but critics say he has been
Ababa, South Sudan offered to allow a rebel
warned that albinos were facing extinction
slow to go after top officials and ministers.
independence from Sudan.
6 | Endeavour Magazine
However, International
a
year
reports
later, that
the
AMERICAS FARMERS IN AMERICA ARE KILLING THE LATEST ON CHILDREN THEMSELVES IN STAGGERING NUMBERS IN CAGES ETC
stayed on for 24 hours a day and the cages in each wing open out into common areas where people can use portable toilets.
The unequal economy that’s emerged
Young migrant children, many of whom
The Border Patrol said there were
over the past decade, combined with patchy
have been taken from their parents’ arms,
approximately 200 minors inside the facility
access to health care in rural areas, have
have been kept in cages in facilities along the
without any parents.
had a severe impact on the people growing
southern US border, according to journalists
America’s food. Recent data shows just
who were allowed inside.
There were no toys or books for the children to play with and images released by
how much. Farmers are dying by suicide at
The Border Patrol responded to criticism
the Border Patrol showed them wrapped in
a higher rate than any other occupational
and protests over US President Donald
foil blankets of the kind usually seen after a
group, according to the Centers for Disease
Trump’s “zero tolerance” policy for illegal
natural disaster.
Control and Prevention (CDC).
immigrants by allowing the visit to the facility
The suicide rate in the field of farming,
in south Texas.
Reporters were not allowed to interview any of the detainees or take photos.
fishing and forestry is 84.5 per 100,000
Visits to such facilities have since been
people -- more than five times that of the
prevented except for select facilities, when
lawmakers
population as a whole. That’s even as the
prior warning must be given, further raising
speaking with the detainees.
nation overall has seen an increase in suicide
suspicion regarding the conditions.
rates over the last 30 years.
In the US’ follow-up to this scandal, were
also
prohibited
from
Stories have spread of parents on the border being told their children were being
The CDC study comes with a few caveats.
taken away for a bath, only for them not
It looked at workers over 17 different states,
to be returned to them. It is then nearly
but it left out some major agricultural
impossible for the parents to find out where
states, like Iowa. The occupational category
their children have gone.
that includes these workers also includes
President
Trump
has
since
signed
small numbers of workers from related
an executive order to prevent family
occupational groups, like fishing and forestry.
separation at the Mexico border, but critics
However, the figures in the CDC study
have highlighted that the order implies
mirror other recent findings. Rates of suicide
that families can be detained together
have risen fastest, and are highest, in rural
“indefinitely”, raising new concerns.
areas, the CDC found in a different study
Meanwhile, families who have been
released earlier this month. Other countries
separated are still facing chaos in regard
have seen this issue, too -- including India,
to being re-united. A handout, called ‘Next
where 60,000 farmer suicides have been
Steps for Families’ is given to all asylum
linked to climate change.
seekers with complicated instructions on
In the U.S., several long-time farm
how to locate their children.
advocates say today’s crisis mirrors one that happened in the 1980s, when many U.S. farmers struggled economically, with an accompanying spike in farmer suicides. Farmers are also at the mercy of elements outside their direct control, from extreme weather events that threaten crops to commodity prices that offer less for farm goods than it costs to produce them.
Photos from inside a former warehouse
As America’s trading partners slap tariffs
the media were given access to showed
on U.S. crops, those prices are set to be
people divided into separate wings for
further undermined. Meanwhile, the Federal
unaccompanied children, adults on their
Reserve’s gradual raising of interest rates
own and mothers and fathers with children.
threatens the financing for smaller farms.
Associated Press reported that the lights Endeavour Magazine | 7
ASIA JAPAN & SOUTH KOREA IN TALKS WITH US ON IRAN SANCTIONS
North’s main Yongbyon nuclear site, it was
been deployed at the flooded cave complex,
also carrying out infrastructure works.
which runs 10km (6 miles) under a mountain
The North last month blew up its aged
in the northern province of Chiang Rai.
Japan and South Korea are in talks with
but only nuclear test site at Punggye-ri -
While relatives and friends gathered
the United States government in a bid to
where it had staged six atomic tests - in a
at the mouth of the cave, rescue workers
avoid adverse impacts from Washington’s
show of goodwill before the summit. But
pumped water out, but the persistent heavy
re-imposition of sanctions aimed at cutting
Pyongyang has kept its counsel on the
rain has slowed their progress.
Iran out of international markets.
denuclearisation issue since the meeting,
Both countries are heavier buyers of Iranian oil. The US is demanding countries cut all
According
to
messages
the
boys
although state media have dialled down
exchanged before setting off, they had taken
propaganda against the US, long dubbed the
flashlights and some food.
“imperialist enemy”.
imports of Iranian oil from November, a
US Defense Secretary James Mattis is
senior State Department official said on Jun
set to visit Seoul to discuss the issue with
26, as the Trump administration ramps up
his South Korean counterpart.
pressure on allies to cut off funding to Iran.
XI TELLS MATTIS CHINA WON’T GIVE UP TERRITORY On June 27, Chinese President Xi Jinping
Both countries won waivers that allowed
told US Defence Secretary Jim Mattis that
them to buy limited amounts of oil from Iran
whilst China is committed to peace, it cannot
during the previous round of sanctions that
give up “even an inch” of territory that the
ended in 2016, but Washington has this
country’s ancestors have left behind.
time adopted a more aggressive stance. Japan’s
Chief
Cabinet
Mattis, a former Marine general, has
Secretary
been highly critical of China’s muscular
Yoshihide Suga told a news conference that
military moves in the disputed South China
Japan and the United States were in talks
Sea. The US military even withdrew an
about the sanctions on Iran, but declined to
invitation to China to join a multinational
reveal details.
naval exercise that will start during Mattis’ visit, upsetting Beijing.
NORTH KOREA STILL BUILDING NUCLEAR SITE
Beijing is also deeply suspicious of US intentions toward self-governing and democratic Taiwan, which is armed by the
North Korea is carrying out rapid improvements
to
its
nuclear
research
facility despite declaring a commitment to denuclearisation of the peninsula at the Singapore summit.
United States. China views the island as a
RESCUERS HUNT FOR BOYS MISSING IN THAI CAVE
sacred part of its territory. Meeting in Beijing’s Great Hall of the People, Xi told Mattis Xi that China had only peaceful intentions and would not “cause
The nuclear-armed North’s leader Kim
Thai rescue workers will drill a narrow
Jong Un promised to “work toward” the goal
shaft into a cave where 12 schoolboys and
Both countries’ common interests far
at a landmark summit with US President
their soccer coach are believed to be trapped
outweigh their differences, but on territorial
Donald Trump in June this year.
by flood waters, Thailand’s interior minister
issues there can be no concessions, Xi
said on Jun 27, the fourth day of a search
added, without referring to specific areas.
However, the Singapore meeting failed to clearly define denuclearisation or produce a timeline towards dismantling the North’s atomic weapons arsenal.
that has been hampered by heavy rain.
chaos”, state television reported.
“We cannot loose even one inch of the
The boys, aged between 11 and 16,
territory left behind by our ancestors. What
and their 25-year-old assistant coach, went
is other people’s, we do not want at all,” state
process would
missing after football practice when they
television cited Xi as saying.
start quickly, saying that “it will be a
set out to explore the Tham Luang cave
“I am happy to be in China and we
total denuclearisation, which is already
complex, even though it is known to be
are assigning the same high degree of
taking place”.
prone to flooding in the rainy season.
importance to the military to military
Trump
claimed
the
Yet recent satellite imagery showed that
Thai volunteers and military teams,
not only were operations continuing at the
including 45 navy SEAL unit members, have
8 | Endeavour Magazine
relationship,” Mattis said.
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B r I S T O w g r O u P. C O m
EUROPE EURO ZONE ENDS EIGHT YEARS OF FINANCIAL SUPPORT TO GREECE
have already retaliated with their own tariffs, and Canada, Japan and Turkey are readying similar offensives.
FRENCH BUTCHERS ASK FOR POLICE PROTECTION FROM VEGAN ACTIVISTS
The euro zone has ended its financial
The risk of escalation is high since Mr.
Butchers in France have asked the
assistance and austerity in Greece after
Trump has promised even more tariffs.
government for police protection from
eight years of support.
Taking aim at German car manufacturers, the
animal rights activists, claiming their security
After a meeting that ended in an
president has started an investigation into
was being threatened and that vegans were
agreement on debt relief, euro zone
automobile imports to determine whether
trying to impose a meat-free lifestyle on the
members have congratulated Greece for
they pose a “national security concern” - the
nation.
legislating hundreds of measures over the
same justification used for his metal tariffs.
The French federation of butchers
last three years and restoring economic
wrote to the interior minister saying shops
growth.
had been sprinkled with fake blood and
Greece is now due to successfully end
covered in graffiti. It claims that a growing
its third financial program, which came into
media focus on veganism was threatening
force in on August 20th 2015. Athens has
butchers’ safety.
been under the help of European creditors
The letter said France’s 18,000 butchers
since 2010.
were worried about the consequences
To prepare for the moment when Greece
of “excessive media hype around vegan
will no longer count on funds from European
lifestyles”, and that vegans wanted to
creditors, and will therefore have to tap
“impose their lifestyle on the immense
financial markets, the euro area has softened
majority of people”.
future debt repayments.
“We count on your services and on the
The deal includes a 10-year extension
support of the entire government so that
in maturities related to the second bailout
the physical, verbal and moral violence stops
program as well as a 10-year deferral on
as soon as possible,” the federation wrote.
interest payments.
Seven butcher shops were vandalised
It also states that once the second
and sprayed with fake blood in the Hauts-
bailout is paid in 2032, European creditors
de-France region in the north of the country
will look at the state of Greek debt again
in April. Other incidents were reported in
and, if needed, there will be additional debt
southern France.
relief measures. This is because Greece will
A butcher and a fishmonger in the north
still be owing money related to the third
had seen windows broken, with the slogan
program.
“Stop speciesism” left behind in spray-paint by the vandals
EUROPE STRIKES BACK AGAINST TRUMP TARIFFS
It is not only purveyors of meat who have faced the wrath of the animal rights The United States is fighting from a
activists: last year a cheesemonger in Lyon
The European Union has fought back
position of strength, with the American
said his shop was painted with the words
against the Trump administration’s import
economy on track for one of its strongest
“milk is rape” and “milk is murder”.
tariffs, putting penalties on an array of
years in a decade. However, growth in
Some have suggested butchers are
American products that target the president’s
Europe is slowing, and that weakness has
seeking to generate publicity on the back of
political base, like bourbon, motorcycles and
been added to by political turmoil in Italy
a small number of incidents.
orange juice.
and Germany, as well as Britain’s decision to
The
European
counterattack
on
leave the European Union.
$3.2 billion of goods, a response to the
groups have effectively lobbied the centrist
However, Trump’s wish to exert pressure
administration’s measures on steel and
on
aluminium imports, adds another front on a
retaliatory nature of trade wars, ultimately
current global trade war. China and Mexico
affected the US too, costing US jobs.
10 | Endeavour Magazine
other countries
has,
Faced with declining meat sales, farmers’
through
the
government of Emmanuel Macron in recent weeks to prevent “anti-meat” measures.
MIDDLE EAST UN TOP COURT BEGINS HEARING QATAR KHAMENEI URGES IRAN JUDICIARY LAWSUIT AGAINST UAE TO CONFRONT THOSE WHO ‘HARM ECONOMY’ The International Court of Justice (ICJ)
rising prices and prepare the economy for a
in The Hague has begun hearing a lawsuit
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali
bazaar were arrested and would not be
by Qatar against the United Arab Emirates
Khamenei has warned against those “who
(UAE), over a year-long blockade against the
disrupt economic security”, threatening legal
Gulf nation.
action in response to economic protests that
“Qatar
is
accusing
the
UAE
of
began over the rial’s collapse.
new wave of US sanctions. Tehran’s
prosecutor
Abbas
Jafari-
Dolatabadi said some protesters near the released before going to trial.
LIBYA CALLS ON UN TO BLOCK ‘ILLEGAL’ OIL SALE
discrimination against Qatar and its citizens
In a statement published on his official
and for violating the 1965 International
website, Khamenei told judiciary officials
Libya’s Tripoli-based Government of
Convention on the Elimination of all forms
that while “the atmosphere for the work, life
National Accord (GNA) has called on the
of racial discrimination of which the UAE is
and livelihood of the people must be secure
UN Security Council to block any “illegal” oil
a signatory,” Al Jazeera’s Neave Barker said
… the judiciary must confront those who
exports from the war-stricken country after
from The Hague.
disrupt economic security.”
a rival government seized control of key oil
The blockade started on June 5, 2017,
Thousands of traders in the Iranian
when the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and
capital’s Grand Bazaar held a rare strike over
Egypt severed diplomatic and trade ties with
the rial’s collapse on the foreign exchange
recognised government’s move comes after
Doha and expelled Qatari citizens.
market.
renegade General Khalifa Haftar captured
Mohammed Abdulaziz al-Khulaifi, one of
The rial’s decreased value is expected to
Qatar’s representatives at the hearing, said
result in an increase in the price of imported
that there were no other channels for Qatari
goods and push up the inflation rate.
citizens to seek out justice.
installations. The
UN-backed,
internationally
the two oil terminals of Ras Lanuf and Sidra earlier in the week. Haftar said that all future revenues from
Iran’s currency has plunged almost 50
terminals under his control would be handed
an
percent in value in the past six months, with
over to the unrecognised administration in
environment of hate against Qataris ...
the US dollar now trading at around 78,500
the east.
Individuals in the UAE are afraid of even
in the black market.
“The
UAE
has
fostered
such
speaking to family members living in Qatar,” al-Khulaifi said. The other blockading countries, Saudi
“UN Security Council resolutions are
Some 1,300 imported products will be
very clear - oil facilities, production and
taken off the shelves as the government
exports must remain under the exclusive
looks to implement new plans to control
control of (the Tripoli-based) National Oil
Arabia, Egypt and Bahrain, are not signatories
Corporation (NOC) and the sole oversight
to this treaty.
of the Government of National Accord,”
“The case itself will focus on some of the key issues in this fierce debate,” Barker said.
NOC chairperson Mustafa Sanalla said in a statement.
The case will focus mostly on the UAE
“We are confident that the GNA and
decision to expel Qatari nationals from the
our international partners will take the
country and the closing of UAE airspace to
necessary steps to stop all exports in breach
Qatari air traffic.
of international law.”
Other arguments revolve around the
Authorities in Tripoli deplored the move
UAE preventing its citizens from travelling to
by the leader of the self-styled Libyan
Qatar and to not let Qatari nationals travel
National Army (LNA) which it described as
go to or travel through the UAE.
“irresponsible and a direct and dangerous Rights
threat to the interests of the Libyan people.”
Committee estimated the blockade has
Qatar’s
National
Human
The eastern-based authorities made
affected about 13,000 people.
a similar attempt to bypass the Tripoli
The committee recorded 4,105 cases
government in April 2016, but their planned
of human rights violations in the last year,
sale of 300,000 barrels per day of crude was
including 646 family reunification violations.
stopped by the UN Security Council.
Endeavour Magazine | 11
FOCUS RAICES – REUNITING FAMILIES
he world has watched in horror as
T
Founded in 1986 as the Refugee Aid
unthinkable. It implies either a complete lack
photographs, footage and reports have
Project by community activists in South
of organisation and regard, or that there was
emerged from the Mexico-US border,
Texas, RAICES has grown to be the largest
no solid intention to reunite these families
showing children forcibly separated from
immigration legal services provider in Texas.
at all.
their families by border control and kept in
With offices in Austin, Corpus Christi,
Reports from journalists who have
crowded cages. Recordings of children as
Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston and San
managed to visit the sites have said that
young as one and two crying out for their
Antonio, RAICES is a frontline organization
some parents were told that their children
parents have left those who have heard
in the roiling debate about immigration and
were being taken for a bath. Directly lying
them stunned and heartbroken, and the
immigrants in the world.
to parents whilst taking their children by
captured voices of guards on site making
When news broke about events at
force equates the treatment of these groups
quips about the “noise” have been equally
the border, RAICES were quick to act, and
to the treatment of criminals, or far worse.
shocking. Quotes such as “That’s quite an
they are now deeply involved in trying
Children have been kept in crowded cages
orchestra – we need a conductor” regarding
to untangle this unhumanitarian mess:
– literal cages – without toys, books or even
crying, caged children have left many asking
“Reuniting the families separated by the
the comfort of an explanation. Left without
what year this is, with American citizens and
current administration’s “Zero Tolerance
assistance, these children were seen caring
observers from abroad equally appalled.
Policy” has become essentially a game of
for babies, comforting toddlers and even
have
hide and seek,” Jonathan Ryan, Executive
showing each other how to change diapers.
mobilised, and are doing more than just
Director at RAICES. “We have had to resort
The regard being show to them and their
watching. Whilst President Trump has
to becoming private investigators to find
parents portrays a view of immigrants as less
passed an Executive Order to prevent future
these families and reunite them, whilst
than human.
family separations on the border, the chaos
ensuring they have access to pro-bono
The complications for these detainees
of repairing the damage remains – the crisis
legal representation.” This shows the level
go further than merely lost information,
is far from over. This is where RAICES – the
of inefficiency and lack of care taken at
too. As RAICES explains, “Parents separated
Refugee and Immigrant Center for Education
the border. The idea of separating children
from their children at the border (and other
and Legal Services – has stepped up to the
from their families even temporarily without
immigrants placed in detention) can’t get
plate.
making records to ensure their safe return is
released from ICE custody to reunite with
Thankfully,
several
12 | Endeavour Magazine
groups
their families until they pay the full amount
of such treatment, and the legal fears that
support staff provide consultations, direct
of their immigration bond. Bonds are set at a
come with it, RAICES are working to provide
legal services, representation, assistance
MINIMUM of $1500, and are usually in the
individuals with whatever legal support
and advocacy to communities in Texas and
range of $5-10K, even for asylum seekers
they can.
to clients after they leave the state.”
without any criminal history.”
The RAICES website has this to say
To fully understand what RACIES are
Organizations are trying to help, but
about the charity: “As an organization that
doing to help, we need to break down
it isn’t enough. “DHA is deploying public
combines expertise developed from the
the events in hand. Over a thirteen-day
health officers to assist these families
daily practice of immigration law with a deep
period in May this year, 658 children were
through the OPR process, when what
commitment to advocacy, RAICES is unique
separated from their parents at the Texas-
these families really need is an immigration
among immigration organizations. A diverse
Mexico
attorney to represent them.” In the wake
staff of 130 attorneys, legal assistants, and
Steven Wagner, acting assistant secretary
border.
The
previous
month,
Endeavour Magazine | 13
of Administration for Children and Families for the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) reported that ORR ‘lost’ nearly 1,500 children in their system. RAICES and many other organizations who represent unaccompanied children after they are released from ORR custody were informed that the Trump administration was ending funding for the representation of thousands of released, unaccompanied children. Before this funding ended, last year 76% of the children in immigration court in Texas still went unrepresented. In light of this information, and the current
border
chaos,
RAICES’
Legal
Representation, Education, and Advocacy Fund (LEAF) has been raising funds in a pledge to provide universal representation for all released unaccompanied children in Texas. Last year, the charity closed 51,000 cases at no cost to the client. Now, they are seeking to fill the gap that the ending of government funding will cause – and to pick up the gap of those who were meant to receive representation but didn’t! On top of this, the charity is running a National Families Together Hotline to offer advice and support to those who don’t know what to do next, and to assist in their “private investigator” efforts to track down and reunite relatives: “The National Families Together Hotline will be staffed by volunteers from 9am- 5pm CST, but callers will be able to call and leave voicemails 24 hours a day. Volunteers have been trained to gather the information necessary to reunite families, including searching for a parent with all known variations of their names and other indicators.” “Once a parent is located, the volunteer 14 | Endeavour Magazine
will confirm the parent is being detained
deserve equal access to justice, and families
there with the relevant detention centre.
will deserve support and respect long after
RAICES staff will return phone calls with
this current crisis has passed. RAICES has
locations to determine next steps, including
been here, we will be here now, and we will
referral to pro bono legal services, and
stand with families in whatever comes next.”
support with release from detention and reunification.” Reuniting families in this way has been RAICES’ focus for the past 30 years, so they are seasoned and well-equipped at stepping up the challenge. In the face of such confusion and an overwhelming sense of adversity, it is life-changing for separated families to have a group like this to turn to –during the current crisis, and beyond: “Families
belong
together,
families
You can support RAICES’ work, learn more about what they are doing, or find out how to volunteer with the charity at
WWW.RAICESTEXAS.ORG
Endeavour Magazine | 15
CERNER MIDDLE EAST WWW.CERNER.COM/AE // 971 2 657 3475
RE-IMAGINING MEDICINE In many ways, you can judge the state of a civilisation by the condition of its health care. A country’s ability to run or support an effective health care system, whether public or private, reflects not only on its technology, but its fundamental ability to provide a good quality of life for its citizens. However, as populations continue to swell, the pressure on health care systems increases: fortunately, technology is also developing at a high rate, and with it, Cerner has found a way to re-invent our approach to medical care. WRITTEN BY ALICE INSTONE-BREWER
CERNER MIDDLE EAST Founded in Kansas City, Missouri, in 1979, Cerner is now a broadly-reaching health information technology company, with their solutions and services contracted at more than 27,000 provider facilities in over 35 countries. The company has moved beyond simply creating electronic health record programmes as we know them today – instead, it has gone back to the drawing board, using what is made possible by modern connectivity, and created an entirely new approach that could revolutionise medical practises. As its slogan states, “Health care is too important to stay the same”; with a cumulative R&D investment of over $6.3 billion, Cerner has committed to that idea.
W
e spoke with Mike Pomerance, Managing Director, Cerner EMEA and LATAM, to learn more about the solutions Cerner provides: “If you boil it all down to the most basic
level,” he explained, “We manufacture software that supports hospitals to automate the care process.” Cerner has two health information technology platforms it produces that are both gamechanging by themselves, but when applied in combination, they paint an entirely new picture of health care. From a simple starting place, the end results seem practically sci-fi. Let’s break it down: “Wherever there’s paper, we try to remove the paper, and by doing so, you create secondary benefits. That information can now be fed into smart servers and computers that can compare the patient’s situation and readings with best practise. If you’re going in for a hip replacement and the doctor wants to order a certain drug, but the computer knows that a different drug is the best option for the least complications, it can recommend this instead. It’s not going to stop you from placing the order you want, but it’s going to suggest that you consider something else.” This level of automated information and intervention, without over-riding human decisions, allows care-givers and medical professionals to focus on the application of human insight without being the sole bastion of medical knowledge in that situation. At the very least, it is a helpful safety-net in the case of human error: “We are unfortunately still looking to humans to be able to give us the best information. In my generation, doctors spent their entire
18 | Endeavour Magazine
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Endeavour Magazine | 19
CERNER MIDDLE EAST career learning; they had to take books and turn that information
Enter HealtheIntent. The innovation is a vast server system that
into actionable items that they use on a daily basis. Today, in that
allows the collection and collation of medical data from a range of
same position, it is impossible to keep up with the literature.
sources. Instead of being limited to what is entered within hospitals
I think what we’ll see in the future is that the information and
and clinics, this system can take data from smart watches, electronic
knowledge will come from a machine, and the human will provide
scales, diet apps, and any other system that monitors our health
the empathy that you require to understand it and the patient on
in our data-heavy world. This could provide medical professionals
another level.”
with a more accurate, well rounded assessment of a patient’s
The application of this software is not limited to hospitals and
health, which would speed up diagnostics, improve accuracy, and
GP offices; it can be used anywhere that patient care takes place,
allow them to give the best possible care. “That’s the second fallacy
including school clinics, laboratories, and even people’s homes.
that current medicine has, I think,” speculated Mike. “Doctors and
However, whilst the automated secondary benefits of this server
nurses are being asked to care for patients based on 3-4% of the
system are useful, they are not the most dramatic of Cerner’s
information about that particular patient.”
innovations. HealtheIntent, its second major software project, takes
To collect this data, Cerner doesn’t need to speak with the
modern possibilities far further, with potentially industry-changing
companies providing these apps – all it needs to do is talk to the
results. To explain the changes it offers, Mike painted this picture:
consumer, who can opt to send it wherever they want. However,
“In a hospital or clinic setting, you give your doctor information that
Mike believes it will take a 5- to 10-year shift before this vision is
goes into their electronic records. But let’s say that you go home,
in full effect. In the meantime, the company’s best clients for the
and you’re on your scale, or perhaps you’re diabetic and you take
system are governments and ministries of health.
your glucose reading: where does that information go?” Currently,
However, when it comes to debates over health care systems, a
such data is lost, trapped in what Mike calls an ‘information silo’.
key element has long been data protection. Given these concerns,
“You want it to go to the same place – on the medical records.”
we asked Mike whether he felt data sharing would be an obstacle for their vision:
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CERNER MIDDLE EAST “Currently, governments are often the custodians of medical data, so they can be very rigid in terms of how to share it, who
information. Depending on the liquidity of the country, this could happen faster or slower - between 5-10 years.”
can share it and who can have access to it.” Mike doesn’t believe
Mike’s prediction shows great confidence in patients being
that this difficulty will last forever, however, or that this issue is a
happy to share their data with Cerner; we asked why he believed
concern in every country. “If you look at the United Arab Emirates
this would be the case: “There will always be people who are
or Qatar or Saudi Arabia, where they still basically have a king or a
worried that their data could fall into the wrong hands, but my
ruler, you can go and sell to them, and say ‘Don’t you want what’s
personal belief is that that group will become less over time. Today,
best for your people? If we aggregate everything together, you’ll be
people don’t want to share that information because only bad
able to do a better job’, and they’ll say ‘Make it happen. Done.’
things come of it. For example, if I have a chronic illness and I share
But what of Western countries? HealtheIntent is already starting
that information, I may not be able to get insurance, so it only hurts
to be used in the UK, the United States, Australia and Canada, in
me. Now, if I can share information, receive better treatment and
both private and public healthcare, but Mike feels the transition to
maybe spend less on it, that has a benefit. Once the cost of not
patients choosing wide-scale personal data sharing will take time.
sharing data is more than the cost of sharing, people will begin to
“There’s going to be a switch, and that switch will come when the
share. People already share a lot of information today that maybe
consumer decides what’s going to happen to that data. That will
ten years ago, you’d have never have thought they would.”
primarily be because, at some point in the future, the government
In many ways, the transition that Mike predicts will be easier for
will stop being able to pay for the care of the people.” Mike predicts
less developed countries than it will be for our device-rich societies.
that eventually, this strain will lead to a move from public to private
“Countries who have not really started down an electronic health
healthcare in countries where this is not the case. “As that financial
record path have an opportunity to shift to the best health care
burden shifts from the government to the person, that person will
possible, because they’re going to start at a country level.” Mike
decide what’s best for them, and they’ll want people to have this
envisions these countries starting afresh with Cerner’s system,
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Endeavour Magazine | 23
CERNER MIDDLE EAST meaning a more total transition happening quicker than in Western
practice efficiently. “We cover basic topics such as ‘How do I
countries. However, even though it is predicted to involve a longer
redesign my laboratory now that I have this piece of software?’
timeline, once consumer-led, device-rich countries have made
through to advanced questions like, ‘How do I try to slow down the
the shift in attitude that Mike predicts, the amount of information
incidents rate of diabetes for my population?’”
available will be life changing.
Overall, the long-term projections for this software are
With this level of automation, where do the possibilities end?
hypothetical for now, but its current benefits, and the visible
Combined with AI technology, Mike sees it affecting the way we
trends in our relationship with technology as a whole, imply that
access medicine: “Pretty soon, I think we’ll see medical care in the
this breakthrough should not be underestimated. Between these
home being delivered via virtual reality. Why should a sick person
two Cerner health information technology platforms, medical
have to get dressed to drive across town to sit in a clinic with other
professionals could have a wealth of instantly accessible data on
sick people, when 80% of the time, the doctor’s just going to ask
their patients at their disposal, run through diagnostics that can
you five questions, maybe take a couple of measurements, and
recommend the best course of treatment with all variables taken
give you a prescription. That can be done from your home, from
into account. This would up efficiency, reduce human error, and
your TV.”
save on money and work hours, which could in turn assist in the
This removal of human interaction is not without its risks: “If
current strains on health care bodies. Whether public or private,
you go to the extreme, you’re going to end up with no personal
both types of healthcare could, and already do, benefit from the
touch, just talking to a machine. But on the other hand, I believe
use of Cerner’s technology. Where we go from here? Only time will
there is an opportunity for doctors and nurses to become less of
tell, but clearly, it is time for a change.
data collectors and more empathetic helpers, there to give that human touch that a computer will never be able to do.” Given the potential complexities of such a change, Cerner provides consultations on how to apply their software to your
24 | Endeavour Magazine
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Endeavour Magazine | 25
MUNCHING MONGOOSE WWW.MUNCHINGMONGOOSE.CO.ZA // 0027 (0) 79 910 0682
DELICIOUS DELIVERIES Home-delivered snack and produce boxes are growing fads in some Western countries, but they’re still breeching new ground in South Africa. We spoke with Brad Meiring, MD and co-founder of The Munching Mongoose, about his company’s passion and moral practises in an inspiring and uplifting market. WRITTEN BY ALICE INSTONE-BREWER
MUNCHING MONGOOSE
”People love a Saturday family outing to the local farmers’
market, but in reality, we seldom have time to do so. We bring the farmers’ market to your door.” The Munching Mongoose are a food delivery service that focus on fresh, local, organic, healthy produce. We spoke with Brad Meiring, company co-founder and MD: “At The Munching Mongoose, we love being a part of people’s journey towards a happier and healthier lifestyle. We love creating opportunities for families to spend more time together and make amazing memories centred around delicious, healthy food.”
The company does this by partnering with local, organic, smallscale farmers, producers and artisans. Taking healthy produce from all of these partners, the company creates crates of healthy food that is delivered right to the doors of their customers through Johannesburg, South Africa. These boxes are a quick, convenient way to receive fresh, varied ingredients that not only offer health benefits, but can also inspire new and exciting, home-prepared meals. The boxes include organically grown fruit and vegetables, free range eggs, farm fresh milk, preservative free and stoneground flour artisan bread, local gourmet cheese and other artisan craft foods. The company also has a range of additional products listed in “The Pantry” – a collection of add-on products that can be
Organic essential oils Fresh Farm Produce Bottled fruits and vegetables Natural cosmetic range
A product of South Africa, made with passion, considering Mother Nature
attached to any order. These additional products include free range meat, dairy produce, and treats such as olive oil, honey and coffee. Our mouths are watering! The Munching Mongoose doesn’t just deliver quality fresh goods, but it makes ordering them easy. The company’s customers, known as “Mongaggle Members”, can do everything online, including customising their orders and managing delivery times; they can even access extra content such as recipes and weekly specials for some added inspiration. The relaxed experience doesn’t stop there – subscription to this service is as customer-friendly as its deliveries: “We don’t hold anyone to contracts or long-term
+27 82 329 2444
erina.organics@gmail.com
www.facebook.com/pg/erinaorganics 28 | Endeavour Magazine
obligations: it is our responsibility to offer great produce and topnotch service that keeps people ordering from us.”
That they do! The company believes in “offering fresh, supporting
that initially only consisted of two people, we both had to be a
local, promoting organic and creating incredible experiences
bit of everything to everyone. Initially, we held other jobs or were
for our customers,” and they take these values seriously. “At The
involved with running other companies, and at the same time, had
Munching Mongoose, we are exceptionally proud of what we
to fulfil every role that The Munching Mongoose required, from
do and how we do it. We believe that how people live, eat and
admin to physically packing boxes and making deliveries, all the
interact are at the core of happy families and a healthy society. We
way to marketing and growing the brand.” These beginnings tested
create a platform around which families and friends can spend time
both founders’ passion and commitment to their concept, as well
together preparing and enjoying awesome and delicious food. We
as their commitment to each other, and it also taught them every
believe that moments shared together at the table forge strong and
aspect of the company they had created.
happy relationships, and we love playing our part in that equation.”
This determination set them up for the challenges to come,
A key element in achieving this vision is, of course, the quality of
and operating in South Africa does come with its challenges, but
the food itself. The Munching Mongoose pride themselves on their
this locally tied company is facing them head-on. Brad explained
standards, and a key element in maintaining these is their strong
some of the difficulties the company faces on a daily basis: “In
links with local suppliers; “It is the tireless work of the farmers and
South Africa, there are many challenges that businesses face,
producers that ensures we have a product to offer, and it is the
from security, power supply issues, product supply consistency
commitment of our logistics and systems partners that means we
and economic instability that leads to market scepticism.” For
can push the business forward with confidence, knowing that our
The Munching Mongoose in particular, there are also issues
customers’ orders will be correct, and boxes will arrive where they
surrounding the organic food sector: “With the organic sector not
are supposed to, when they are supposed to.”
yet fully legislated in South Africa, there are a number of people
Brad was one of the two founders of Munching Mongoose,
operating under the veil of the blurred lines.” This has caused
meaning he has been with the company since the idea was first
customers to be wary of the ‘organic’ label, unsure how reliable this
conceived in 2014. Now the MD, he started out physically
claim is. However, The Munching Mongoose’s tight relationships
delivering the company’s products door to door: “As a start-up
with local farms has allowed them to provide a transparency that
MUNCHING MONGOOSE puts customer’s minds at ease, thus turning this challenge into an opportunity to stand out.
Another key to The Munching Mongoose’s success is, of course, their staff, and the company values that these employees all uphold:
Another challenge lies within the online nature of the
“The team behind the brand are most certainly the pulse of the
company’s operations. Brad tells us that South Africa is often “a
business and reason for the success. We are a diverse group from
few years behind the curve” when it comes to technological trends,
varying backgrounds, but what we all have in common is the belief
and this includes online shopping. Whilst buying clothes and some
in why we do what we do. We want nothing more than to help
items online is now regular practise, online grocery shopping is yet
bridge the gap between the hard-working local farmers and the
to become the norm for the majority. However, again, Munching
families that want to enjoy their produce. We always take a win-
Mongoose sees this as an opportunity rather than a challenge,
win approach - no success of ours should ever be at the detriment
seeing a space that can be filled. Whilst the sector is currently
of anyone else.”
behind, as this online food market builds momentum, those
“In the formal team, there are nine of us managing the business
currently working within it will be in an ideal position. This isn’t to
and operations - some on a full-time basis, some part-time and
say that The Munching Mongoose is without competitors, but they
some on a consulting and trade exchange arrangement, but it is
have their foot in the door before the sector has had a chance to
the endless network of suppliers, farmers, producers and logistics
become swollen.
partners that are the complete family that is The Munching
The company also tackled this unfamiliarity with online food shopping by temporarily setting up a physical presence from which
Mongoose. If we are to consider all of them, without whom we would not have a business, then we are hundreds strong.”
to promote themselves: “We recently also opened a concept store /
The company is optimistic and ambitious about the future. As
pop-up shop in a high-end retail centre for a few months. The shop
well as looking forward to an online swell, Munching Mongoose is
was different to our online offering in that it was more focused on
also looking to expand its physical reach: currently, they deliver to
highlighting the artisans we work with; it was great to showcase
Johannesburg and its surrounding suburbs, but they are looking to
and introduce our brand and service to a new audience in a
expand a wider reach in the Gauteng province, as well as into other
tangible way.“
provinces within South Africa. As Brad told us, “The objective is
30 | Endeavour Magazine
always to keep improving and developing what we are doing. We
It is always a joy to see a thriving company that has maintained
want to increase our marketing efforts to grow the customer base
its values, and The Munching Mongoose’s heart is in the right
and ensure that we maximise our systems and infrastructure. We
place. From pride in their products to showing respect to both their
have capacity to grow, and this will be our objective over the next
customers, partners and staff, they are an example to follow. To
12 months.”
Brad, these practises and good business go naturally hand in hand:
“After winning the 702 and Sage One small business awards
“Business is business and there is no getting away from the fact
in 2016, the confidence in what we were doing was cemented,
that profit, growth, sales, marketing etc. are fundamental, but all of
and we have steadily worked to grow and develop what we had
this is null and void if you don’t know why you are doing what you
achieved. 2017 was a year for setting deeper roots and stronger
are doing, and if you don’t want to achieve more than just the best
foundations; we implemented and launched a new online platform
bottom line on a chart.”
that has evolved our business and offering drastically. We also
“The key is wanting to offer something that is meaningful and
moved to new, bigger and more suited premises and invested in
of real value to those around you, as well as to those that put
further infrastructure, cold rooms etc. that also mean we have
their trust in your brand. It is this belief, and surrounding yourself
plenty of capacity for growth within Gauteng.”
with others that share this same belief, that will translate into
It’s an exciting time for The Munching Mongoose, with the
commitment and the delivery of quality.” The pride and love for his
future filled with possibilities. “We also believe that we are at
work that Brad shows are enviable, and The Munching Mongoose’s
a juncture where new partnerships could greatly benefit the
growing success is a testament to his words being true. Speaking
company,” Brad continued. “We are looking for fresh perspectives,
with the company has given us an appetite for some healthy food,
ideas and energy to help move us forward. As such, we are in
but more than that, we are eager to see more businesses that can
talks with a number of parties to potentially get involved within
stand so securely by their values. We’ll be watching The Munching
the business. There are even some international prospects being
Mongoose’s growth with interest.
explored. Nothing is set in stone, but there is plenty of excitement at the various opportunities and where they could lead.”
Endeavour Magazine | 31
AMAZING WORLD BY WILL GIRLING
MEMENTO MORI: THE SEDLEC OSSUARY
E
Prague is probably the quintessential
Curtain’, the Czech Republic, and in
location for those wanting to get their first
particula its capital, Prague, has become
taste of what the country has to offer.
an ever more popular tourist destination
However, if you thought the key to snapping
for millions annually. As if its rich history,
that share-worthy photo lay in sticking to
fascinating culture, and spectacular local
the city center, you’d be very wrong indeed.
cuisine weren’t enough of a lure, the Czech
Take a drive for one hour due east and you’ll
Republic also boasts some of the most
arrive at the Central Bohemian city of Kutná
captivating architecture in Europe (I have
Hora. Once there, have a look around for
heard it said on good authority that, in terms
Sedlec Abbey - it won’t be difficult to find;
of sheer richness and visual delight, most TV
the Abbey (now a UNESCO World Heritage
shows can’t even begin to compete with the
Site) is a large 12th Century construction
interior of St Nicholas’ Church.)
that was later remodeled in the Gothic style.
© Henry Burrows, www.flickr.com/photos/foilman
ver since the fall of the infamous ‘Iron
Made from bleached stone and finished with orange tiles, Sedlec Abbey has the perfectly welcoming and pleasing exterior you’d expect from a church. But, should you head downstairs to the basement, prepare yourself for something more gothic than Lord Byron drinking wine from a hollowedout skull: the Sedlec Ossuary. Conservatively estimated to contain the skeletons of between 40,000 to
32 | Endeavour Magazine
70,000
people,
macabre
and
the
ossuary
ingeniously
is
both
creative
in
© Herbert Frank, www.flickr.com/photos/liakadaweb
© Henry Burrows, www.flickr.com/photos/foilman
So how did this haunting marvel in the
left behind is a highly affecting statement for
basement come to be? History tells us that
the observer and has served as inspiration
during the 13th Century, an abbot from
for a whole host of media: many authors and
the local clergy made a pilgrimage to the
filmmakers have been particularly struck by
Holy Land and brought some sacred earth
the stark comment the ossuary makes about
back from his travels. Having consecrated
life and death.
Sedloc Abbey’s grounds with said dirt, news
In the Medieval Christian theological
began to spread among the denizens of
tradition was the concept of memento mori
Kutná Hora and soon people were literally
- the regular and serious contemplation of
dying to be buried there. Later, in the wake
one’s mortality (the Latin literally translates
of the Black Death and the perpetual state
as ‘remember that you have to die’). The
of war that existed in Europe at that time,
aim of this was to focus the meditator’s
there was more death than the grounds
attention on the more substantial/important
of Sedloc Abbey could possibly house
things in their life, rather than the transient
comfortably. It wasn’t until the 19th Century
worries we all fret about daily. If the Sedlec
equal measure. Featuring a multitude of
that a woodcarver named Frantisek Rint was
Ossuary achieves anything, it is to remind
skeletal arrangements and accoutrements,
tasked with organizing the colossal quantity
the observer that they too, one day, will
including an altar, wall displays, chalices,
of bones that had accumulated.
become like the legions of bones decorating
and commemorative writing all made with
The patrons for Rint’s work were
the room. However, the sheer creativity of
bones, the Ossuary also boasts a huge
the Schwarzenberg’s – a Czech-German
the artist’s work can’t help but imbue the
skeleton chandelier as its grim centerpiece
aristocratic family whose coat of arms (made
ossuary with a darkly mischievous sense of
(apparently constructed from every single
of – you guessed it – bones!) hangs proudly
fun - even humor! It’s a fact that we all must
bone in the human body). It really must be
in the ossuary. An enormous assortment
die one day, but that’s not to say we can’t
seen to be believed; it goes so contrary to
of femurs, fingers, vertebrae, pelvises, and
utilize every opportunity to enjoy life whilst
what one would expect from church décor,
shoulder-blades create the effect, which
we’re still here.
you could be forgiven for thinking you’d
includes a crown motif at the top and a
stumbled upon the set of a horror movie!
raven pecking at a skull. The art that Rint has Endeavour Magazine | 33
CREATIVE EATERIES WWW.CREATIVEEATERIES.COM.SG // 0065 6411 4990
A TASTE OF EVERYTHING Creative Eateries presents the world of dining in Singapore. Famously an island that imports all of its ingredients, with no agricultural industry of its own to speak of, Singapore is (excuse the pun) a hungry market for good food. We spoke with Bonnie Wong, COO of Creative Eateries, to see how this company has managed to bring so many nations’ styles and flavours to one island. WRITTEN BY ALICE INSTONE-BREWER
CREATIVE EATERIES
Founded by Mr Anthony Wong in 1992, Creative Eateries
began with just one premise – Hot Stones Steak and Seafood Restaurant. The 1990s saw a popular trend for hotel restaurant dining in Singapore, and Wong’s restaurant stood out as an alternative choice. This desire to stand apart from the crowd lives on in the spirit of Creative Eateries, which seeks to fill any and all gaps in the market with its wide array of cuisine options.
W
e spoke with Bonnie Wong, COO of Creative Eateries,
guests and clients.” However, despite the variation between each
who along with her sister Bernadette, is passionately
location, there is also a continuity in their quality, as each one is
continuing the family business. She explained that the
connected under the ideals and overall guidance of the Creative
company is defined by its “multi-brand strategy”, which allows it to
Eateries umbrella.
provide restaurants that specialise in Western, Thai, Japanese and
In total, Creative Eateries represents 47 outlets. Of these 47,
Chinese cuisine, separately, with appropriate branding for each.
34 are based in Singapore, ten in Malaysia, two in Taiwan and
“Our mission is to spread joy and delight to everyone’s taste buds
one is opening in Cambodia next month. “By using the multi-
through creative concepts and fulfilling customer experiences,”
brand strategy,” Bonnie explains, “The Group saturates the food
Bonnie explained.
and beverages (F&B) market by filling price and quality gaps,
To better cater to everyone, these restaurant divisions are also
increasing the visibility of the Group as a whole, and providing
split into tiers (such as premium or mass market), thus allowing
more alternatives to consumers. As a result, the Group is better
Creative Eateries to reach customers at every consumer level. With
positioned to capture greater market share and providing
so many levels and divisions, the list of restaurants represented
opportunity for growth in the highly competitive and saturated F&B
by Creative Eateries is unsurprisingly long, including Hot Stones,
industry, which would otherwise be limited if we only had one or
Fremantle Seafood Market, Vineyard, Barossa, TongKong Riverboat
two brands.”
Dining, Patara Fine Thai Cuisine, Talay Thai, Siam Kitchen, Bangkok
Expansion plans for the company are currently focused on
Jam, Tajimaya Yakiniku, Shabuya, ROCKU Yakiniku, KURO Izakaya,
opening more outlets in Cambodia and Malaysia, in order to
Eat at Taipei and the newly established brands Flaming Don and
strengthen Creative Eateries’ presence in those markets. However,
Typhoon Café. That’s a mouth full! Every one of these restaurants
they also plan to venture further into franchising by branching out
is designed with care, combining their menus with skilled interior
to countries in South East Asia such as the Philippines and Vietnam.
design to create a fitting atmosphere and deliver an immersive
On top of all of this, the company hasn’t forgotten where they
experience: “These concepts identify and fill gaps in the markets.
come from or where the backbone of their company lies; they are
With variety, dedication and expertise as its hallmarks, the Group
also planning to open new outlets in Singapore, as well as to re-visit
seeks to deliver the best experience possible to all of its restaurant
and refresh those already in place.
36 | Endeavour Magazine
This may all sound busy enough, but for Creative Eateries,
ability to cater to the halal community in large-scale quantity
it is only half the story. Alongside its restaurants, the Group’s
allows us to support international events like the Singapore
catering division has established itself as one of Singapore’s
Airshow 2018.”
premier caterers. “With a variety of cuisines on demand, end-to-
Given its unique approach to both sides of the business, we
end capabilities such as décor, equipment, rental and staffing, and
asked Bonnie what truly set Creative Eateries apart from its rivals.
a knack for customization, Creative Eateries Catering prides itself
She felt that it was in using these two halves in combination that
on its ability to create unforgettable events centred on outstanding
the company best showed its strength: “Being a multi-concept and
food.” If you want proof that this catering division is as good as it
cuisine Group, we can’t peg competitors on a macro level. We rival
claims, it’s got it: firstly, it is the official caterer of Singapore staples
on a brand level. However, as a Group we have the capability to
such as Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay, Singapore Expo, The Star
offer different services and menus for a different occasion to the
Theatre, CHIJMES, and even The Arts House and National Gallery
exact same customer – e.g. for a corporate customer we can do
Singapore. Secondly, it has also catered many prestigious events,
events at our restaurants or one of the many venues we’re official
such as Food Hotel Asia, Singapore Grand Prix, Singapore Dance
caterers of. While for regular customers we keep them excited
Theatre Gala, People Association Project We Care at The Istana
with new products and innovation, meeting needs of both their
and countless others, including events attended by Prime Minister
everyday meals with our mass market brands and special occasions
Lee Hsien Loong and President Halimah Yacob.
with our premium brands.”
On top of successfully running a catering division worthy
This constant innovation is crucial in a market as fast-moving
of these accolades, the company even manages to run a second
and demanding and Singapore’s, where trends are variable and
catering wing, called Shiok! Kitchen Catering. This second wing
competitors are many. “While food cost is largely well maintained,
is halal certified and operates out of a 12,000 square feet central
the same cannot be said for customers’ preferences. These ever-
kitchen, which “gives the Group a competitive advantage, as our
changing demands and needs are why we constantly come up
www.grittnco.com A 51 Ubi Avenue 1 #05-23 Singapore 408933 M +65 9146 0879 E info@grittnco.com
CREATIVE EATERIES with new brands - to meet consumer needs and fill gaps in the
the ever-ambitious Creative Eateries. One development on
market.” Another challenge that the vast, many-facetted company
the company’s horizon is a transition over to a new Business
faces is employee numbers – a significant challenge when you run
Intelligence tool, which will enable the company to be more data-
as many restaurants as they do. “Manpower remains a constant
driven and to gain better customer insight – a useful ability when
challenge for the F&B industry, hampered by changing foreign
keeping up with such fast-changing trends! This transition should
worker employment policies. We are now actively getting involved
be completed by 2019. Another programme that the company
with hospitality schools to groom young local Singaporeans
relies on is cloud-based procurement platform EzyProcure: as
through vocational training and restaurant excursions that give
the business expands, managing a larger orders and inventory
students a glimpse of what a career in F&B looks like. We feel
becomes inevitably complex, and the use of technology such as
that fuelling their passion for F&B will help the industry in the
EzyProcure becomes key to increasing efficiency and, indirectly,
long run.”
reducing costs.
Creative Eateries currently employs 320 members of staff full
In terms of expansion and physical development, Creative
time, with around 600 employed part-time. Given that finding
Eateries opens its first franchise in Cambodia next month and is also
staff is currently a challenge, the company makes sure to make the
planning to re-design and rejuvenate some of its existing restaurant
most of the talent that they find: “We make it a point to recognise
brands. It also has several new outlets planned for Singapore that
and incentivise staff for their excellent service through the STAR
should open in Q3/Q4, including Eat at Taipei and Suki-Ya in the
Award (internal service awards), and we also believe in promoting
SAFRA Toa Payoh.
from within.”
“We plan to penetrate the region with winning concepts
Moving forward, with their popular concepts, strong business
through franchising and like-minded partners, to meet the growing
model and well-cared-for team, the future looks positive for
demands of the middle market. We believe that growth is necessary
38 | Endeavour Magazine
to ensure the longevity of the Group; growth rates seem more promising in the Southeast Asian region, so we plan to continue our growth there, using Singapore as a showcase for our concepts.”
FRANCHISE AWARD-WINNING BRANDS TODAY
Whatever style and flavour of dining you prefer, Creative Eateries seems to have your needs covered! With an array of international menus, a range of service tiers and even event
Our Track Record
catering, the Wong family company seeks to share their passion
• Established in 1992
for food with everyone, whatever they are looking for. If you visit
• 2017 Enterprise 50 Award Winner
or live in Singapore, the chances are that you might walk in to one
• Influential Brands 2016 ñ Outstanding Brand
of these many restaurants – give them a try, and experience what makes Creative Eateries so successful for yourself!
• Leading F&B establishment in Singapore Our Commitment and Support • Intensive initial and opening training • Constant support and review after opening • On-going sharing of new products and business system • Marketing and PR support CE_Endeavour Magazine July Edition (Half Page) FA.pdf
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12/7/18
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CM
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A MODERN TWIST TO TRADITIONAL THAI FARE
AUTHENTIC JAPANESE ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT SHABU-SHABU BUFFET
EDGY JAPANESE YAKINIKU BUFFET WITH MODERN ENTERTAINMENT
FAST CASUAL CHARCOAL GRILLED DONBURI
Grow your F&B portfolio in your city today. Leverage on our quality brands and good business models for a successful and rewarding venture. www.creativeeateries.com.sg/franchise e: franchise@createries.com t: +65 6411 4990 (Michelle) Endeavour Magazine | 39
GCC INTERCONNECTION AUTHORITY WWW.GCCIA.COM.SA // 00966 13 815 0022
KEEPING INTERCONNECTED Formed in 1981, the Gulf Cooperation Council is an attempt to form unbreakable bonds between six nations. Such endeavours are never without their challenges, and yet from them can arise bountiful developments on both an industrial and social level. As the world waits to see whether the division between Qatar and the rest of the GCC can be resolved, we spoke with one of the companies that seek to hold this arrangement of nations together. WRITTEN BY ALICE INSTONE-BREWER
GCC INTERCONNECTION AUTHORITY
The Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf,
originally and still known as the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is a regional, intergovernmental political and economic union made up of most of the Arab states of the Persian Gulf. In total, its members are Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
T
he Council as a whole has existed since its charter was signed in
that supports high levels of coordination and institutional
May 1981, and whilst inter-relationships haven’t always been
involvement in all aspects of operations and planning of grid and
harmonious, their principles and goals remain inspirational.
market operations between member states. Within this, we focus
In fact, the Gulf Cooperation Council Interconnection Authority
on innovative and creative approaches to finding solutions and
(GCCIA)’s principles are directly inspired by this agreement and the
sharing knowledge between the member countries, while at the
ideals behind it: to encourage more cooperation and to foster links
same time maintaining optimal and efficient operations.”
between the nations, to allow better travel and trade. With both come tighter bonds, and a harmonious GCC for the future.
It’s a challenging and involved task, and to pull it off, GCCIA needs a talented task force. There are about 90 staff members
One notable symbolic industrial undertaking between the
working for the group, ranging from direct full-time employees to
GCC member nations is the vast railway system that they are
part-time outsourced staff. This number is small, but in keeping it
collectively developing. Known simply as the Gulf Railway or GCC
this way, the company keeps their operations elite: “The number
Railway, this development aims to link trade and travel between
of staff is relatively low due to the fact that GCCIA is adopting
the countries in a very real and practical sense; already partially
the ‘Informed Client’ model,” explains Ahmed, “Outsourcing all of
built, the total project will cost an estimated US$ 250 billion and
its maintenance and services to highly qualified service providers,
is scheduled to be completed by 2021. The GCC Interconnection
while maintaining core operations through its own staff.” This
Authority oversees a similarly vast and defining entity; the group
outsourcing again plays in to the aim to create more communication
is the owner and transmission operator of a 400kV Super Power
and trade between the GCC nations, and also allows the GCCIA to
Grid that links the power systems of the six GCC member states.
focus on keeping their own staff highly trained and well cared for.
As such, it is their responsibility to deliver emergency support
“As one of its strategic objectives, GCCIA puts much emphasis on
service to the energy sectors of these nations, as well as being able
attracting, retaining and developing highly talented and experienced
to offer commercial opportunities through exchange and trade of
professionals. We provide employees with ‘above the market level’
electricity on the Interconnector, serving the six GCC countries’
benefits, whilst running elaborate annual training programs and
electricity authorities and power procurement companies.
career development plans for staff, to support internal growth and
We spoke with Ahmed Ali Al-Ebrahim , GCCIA’s CEO, about
promotions.”
what makes the group’s set-up so special: “GCCIA has a unique
Ahmed himself rose through GCCIA’s senior ranks: joining
model of interconnection between countries, with a framework
the company in April 2007 as Director of System Operations, he
42 | Endeavour Magazine
GCC INTERCONNECTION AUTHORITY became the Chief Operating Officer in 2011, and in December
A profitable part of this secondary business is the company’s
2014 he become the Chief Executive Officer. However, he cut his
telecommunications. As Ahmed told us; “GCCIA is commercializing
teeth in the industry elsewhere: “I worked my way up through the
spare links of its extensive fibre optic telecommunications network
ranks, starting my work as an operation engineer in the control
to avail reliable Carrier-Carrier telecom services to all GCC licenced
centre of Bahrain Power grid, then as Senior Engineer, then Head
telecom operators.” Having this additional feather in its cap only
of Operations and finally the Manager of Operations and Control
furthers how deeply ingrained GCCIA is in the industrial needs of
of Bahrain Power grid. Later, I moved to the private sector as the
the nations it works with. It is from this strong grounding that the
Technical Director for Sintegro International in charge of developing
group is now looking to expand, both of its grid and its operations,
large scale infrastructure.” It was from here that he finally joined
to beyond the GCC region.
GCCIA, where he has been able to apply his knowledge to both the company’s day to day, and its ambitions for growth.
However, operation within the GCC is not without its challenges. “With growing populations and rapid expansion in economies, the
The very nature of GCCIA also means that the organization
demand for electricity has been increasing annually at an average
has developed various essential links and partnerships, both
of 6-8% per annum. With concerns regarding the adequacy of
within and outside of the GCC nations. For example, in its early
fossil fuel resources to support future energy needs, there is a
days, before entering its operational phase, GCCIA worked closely
drive for diversified energy resources and energy efficiencies
with a consortium of European Grid operators and consultants
strategies. Accordingly, GCC countries have set aggressive plans
- namely RTE (France), Elia (Belgium) and Tractebel (Belgium).
for development of renewable energy sources, especially solar,
This collaboration allowed GCCIA to build up the operational
wind and nuclear power.“
procedures and processes needed to ensure a safe and reliable
Partly in response to these challenges, GCCIA began its study
start of operations. Since then, the organisation has continued to
into the possible expansion of the interconnection beyond the GCC
forge partnerships and collaboration frameworks for various parts
region. This includes neighbouring countries such as Jordan, Yemen,
of both its core and secondary business.
Ethiopia, Egypt, India, Iraq and even Europe. The most immediate
44 | Endeavour Magazine
of these plans would see the expansion of the interconnection to Iraq via Kuwait, the expansion of GCCIA’s fibre optic network to Oman, and also involvement in an off-shore energy storage project in Dubai. However, even this isn’t the full extent of GCCIA’s ambition and plans for the future. On top of these studies and finalising details for a grid expansion, they also plan to launch the ‘GCC Power Exchange’ between now and 2019. According to Ahmed, they also plan to “review and revise the GCCIA commercial model to ensure sustainability, as well as reviewing the telecom business model and expanding the service offering.” As the future of the GCC hangs in the balance in hearings over the Qatar blockade, this product of the GCC is at least thriving. With influence over two essential industries between six major nations, the GCCIA has a great deal of responsibility, but with that, a great deal of opportunity to play with. We look forward to seeing where they take it, in what we hope will be a GCC that is more connected than ever.
Telephone Fax Email Website
+966 13 663 6000 +966 13 882 6678 nccho@ncc.com.sa www.nccprojects.com Endeavour Magazine | 45
AQABA CONTAINER TERMINAL WWW.ACT.COM.JO // 962 3 2091111
LIGHTENING THE LOAD Favourably located at the intersection of three continents and five countries, Aqaba Container Terminal can not only shoulder the weight of high volume container contracts, but it is also actively improving the experience given to all clients. WRITTEN BY AMY BUXTON
AQABA CONTAINER TERMINAL
When you think of the sovereign Arab state of Jordan, the beauty of the region is sure to come to mind, as will its toted label as an “oasis of stability”, but there’s so much more to consider...
S
trategically placed at the crossroads of Africa, Asia and Europe, Jordan offers commercial promise for the right operations that showcase enough creativity and expertise to take advantage of
the fortuitous location, and that’s where Aqaba Container terminal (ACT) comes in: “Today, the Aqaba Container Terminal has grown from a feeder port into a mature mainliner facility. It plays a crucial role in the Jordanian economy and promotes growth and development regionally. It is the primary gateway for the Jordanian market, and a crucial transit point for cargo moving between countries in the region. It is becoming the first choice for trade between Iraq and the rest of the world.” While it’s fantastic to see where ACT is now, to understand it, it is important to look back at how it has arrived there. Reputations based on excellence, efficiency and expertise and not made overnight, after all. Back in 2003, the Aqaba Development Corporation (ADC) sought out a strategic partnership with global port operator APM Terminals that would allow the terminal to be significantly improved in an operational sense, and it rose to the challenge. Following signing a management contract in 2004 after a first international tender, and a concession agreement in 2006 after a second global tender, the terminal went from strength to strength and now is a commercial force to be reckoned with. Endeavour Magazine spoke with Steven Yoogalingam, Chief Executive Officer, and Vincent Flamant, Chief Commercial Officer
48 | Endeavour Magazine
at ACT, to understand the current state of the industry, as well the
(dry and reefer), weighing verification and Verified Gross Mass
secrets to ACT’s success. Discussing the buoyancy of the container
generation.”
sector, as well as regional competitors, he noted that:
Given that ACT is operated alongside a vision to “be the
“Globally, there is a tendency to oversupply in ships and, to a
most sustainable gateway to Jordan and beyond”, the potential
lesser extent, terminal capacity. Locally, one may think that we
for upheaval quickly comes into focus. With clientele rightfully
have no real competition, as we have exclusivity and operate in a
demanding the highest standards of service, alongside tight
regulated environment. However, we constantly benchmark the
deadlines and seamless interactions with external logistics
best terminals within APMT’s strong network of 74 Terminals and
companies, it’s staggering that there are no weak links in
we compete with other ports in the region to serve some areas
the chain. Then again, there shouldn’t be any, given that the
of the neighbouring countries, such as Iraq, Syria, Palestine and
mission statement for ACT is: “To develop and upgrade a
Saudi Arabia.”
sustainable modern, transparent, competitive, reliable, and
It might seem as though ACT is enjoying a perfect combination, facing little local competition and having a demand for its services,
profitable supply chain component into Jordan, Iraq, and the Levant region.”
but resting on the laurels of a good reputation is not an option. With
This mission is the key to understanding everything that
every new contract comes a chance to exceed expectations and
ACT does. There is a real sense of responsibility at play, with the
raise the profile of the terminal, but to really understand just how
continued economic stability of the region and its inhabitants at the
critical every nuance of the operation is, an overview of day-to-day
epicentre of all strategies, not least those that guide the terminal as
activities is vital:
an employer:
“The core activity is to receive container vessels, and load
“The human resource is an asset in any successful company.
and discharge the containers between ships and the container
ACT managed to develop a strong local workforce (95% Jordanian
yard, as well as between the yard and external trucks sent by
employees) and demonstrates exemplary management practices.
importers/exporters. The container terminal also provides
ACT has actually received the coveted Social Security National
other ‘on demand’ services such as storage of the containers
Award several times in recent years. Safety is a genuine top priority
Endeavour Magazine | 49
AQABA CONTAINER TERMINAL for us, which is why we won the APMT Global Safety Award
their support and the support of all the industries and trading
in 2015.”
community of Jordan and Iraq.”
Any container terminal can be a dangerous location, but
Looking to the future, ACT is well placed to tackle anything.
given that ACT considers the provision of “the right environment
Thanks to on-going investment in its people, systems and
for the right people” a top priority, safety measures are just the
infrastructure, it appears that there is no stumbling block large
start. Awards are always gratefully received, but the continued
enough to usurp the progress and success of everybody involved.
development and education of valued staff members is a far more
Moreover, an extensive quay extension, which saw it almost double
sought-after reward.
in size, looks set to really open up new possibilities, as does another
A healthy appreciation of specialist and regional staff is just one
critical development that Vincent highlighted:
factor that helps ACT to stand out from similar operations. Vincent
“The re-opening of the Iraq border to cross-border traffic (cargo
highlighted the rest: “The ever-increasing size of ships deployed at
trucks and containers) has been a main focus for the past two years.
sea is a global challenge for many ports, but it is an opportunity for
With the re-opening of this historical gateway, clearance process
Aqaba to differentiate and develop a competitive advantage. We
times will be improved and there will be shorter transit times from
are fortunate to have access to a natural deep-sea port, supported
around the world into Iraq through ACT.”
by appropriate infrastructure and equipment investment to receive among the largest ships.”
An award-winning terminal, ACT has been surpassing the expectations and needs of clients for years. Thanks to continued
Add to this the support of the APM Terminals network, which
support from the Jordan Government, whilst also being so perfectly
offers a connection to best practices, systems and innovations,
positioned on the map, there is nothing to stop it from lightening
a national workforce and an exceedingly enviable location, and
the load of logistics for many more years to come, and Endeavour
the recipe for success is self-evident. The real icing on the cake,
Magazine, along with the global container terminal industry, will be
however, is a rather special relationship:
watching keenly.
“A key partner of ours is the Jordan Government, as represented by ASEZA and ADC. Our success would not be possible without
A world-class business hub and leisure
destination on OPPORTUNITIES the Red Sea, acting as aGROUNDS development INVESTMENT ON SOLID ba Special driving force for Jordan that improves the quality Being a key driving force economic growth of Jordan, Aqaba Development of lifefor andthe prosperity for the community through c Zone Corporation (ADC) the central development sustainable development body for Aqaba Special Economic Zone
Authority (ASEZA) is aggressively mobilizing the Public and Private Partnership efficiently in creating a scheme that offers you a stress-free lifestyle in a premier investment and tourism model city.
Aqaba Zone offers: • A Flat 5% income tax on the net profit. • No restrictions on transportation hub; transportof&foreign investments. • Streamline labour and immigration procedures. participation vital aspect of the Master Planfrom for all customs fees, import fees and other taxes on all imports* • No • Exemption e Aqaba Special Economic Zone restrictions on foreign currencies. • No restrictions on repatriation of profits & capitals. ble achievements are materialized vate sectors. •Aqaba Development No Sales Tax. Minimal exceptions** • Exemption from annual land and buildings taxes. sfully implemented numerous • Exemption from social services tax. • Exemption from taxes distributed dividends y private sectors operators and and profits. a•state Flexible alternatives and solutions for the usage and investment of land. P Moller who redeveloped minal and a logistics village. • Ability to use up to 70% of foreign work force.
ommunity offers 12 specialized d 2 harbors, 6 operators including 50 | Endeavour Magazine International open sky airport.
The Aqaba Special Economic Zone
A world-class business hub and leisure
destination on the Red Sea, acting as a development driving force for Jordan that improves the quality of life and prosperity for the community through sustainable development
Being a multi-modal transportation hub; transport & logistics projects are a vital aspect of the Master Plan for the development of the Aqaba Special Economic Zone (ASEZ). Aqaba Development Corporation (ADC) successfully implemented numerous projects in partnership with internationally renowned private sector operators and developers including AP Moller who redeveloped a state of the art container terminal and a logistics village. Today, Aqaba Ports Community offers 12 specialized terminals 30 berths and 2 harbors, 6 operators including marine services and an International open sky airport. Furthermore, ADC established an air cargo terminal, world class logistics facilities, customs yard, truck marshaling yards, x-ray scanning platforms to enhance logistics facilitations and complement port activities. The opening of the borders between Jordan & Iraq eased the access of cargo between both countries, while ADC is expecting an increase in cargo traffic during 2018 and forward.
www.adc.jo • Tel: +962 3 2039100 • Fax: +962 3 2039110 • P.O Box: 2680 Aqaba, 77110 Jordan • Email: Info@adc.jo
AMAZING WORLD BY JAMES LAPPING
FIRE TORNADOES
T
here are some phenomena in this world that certainly don’t seem like they could be of earthly origins. Many
manifestations of such natural wonder are therefore often attributed to the work of gods. For example - pillars of fire. Surely the formation of a colossal column of fire couldn’t be a natural occurrence? Well, that’s what was believed in the age of the Old Testament. A tale within Exodus describes the aftermath of the Israelites within the Egyptian historical era: the Israelites were enslaved to the Pharaohs, but led by Moses, achieved freedom and managed to escape, leading to the famous paring of the Red Sea. However, according to scripture, they were not able to do this without the aid of a pillar of fire: this allowed the Israelites to escape at the dead of night, the light leading them to freedom. This pillar of fire was believed to the created by God, and was present in their march to freedom from slavery. If you were in the situation that the Israelites were in, and escape was imminent, the formation of such a wonder would truly be considered a miracle. Once thought to be a rare sight, these
It is fair to assume that this combination
pillars of fire, better known now as “fire
extremities
serious
height, which really puts into perspective
whirls”, are a far more common occurrence
damage. Common instances of the fire
how terrifying these can be. They can also
in the natural world that previously believed.
whirl usually grow to 3 ft wide and 100ft
pack heat, reaching temperatures of 2000
Known by various names - fire tornado,
tall. However, it is believed that with the
Fahrenheit. While these pillars are spinning
fire twister, and even fire devil - fire whirls
correct circumstances, the greatest fire
at speeds of around 100 miles per hour
are whirlwinds of fire that form from the
whirls have stretched to 30 ft wide and risen
(which could easily destroy trees and small
combination of flame and wind; this seems
to over 1000 ft into the air! Some of the
buildings), the ash from the ground is being
quite apparent from their name.
most notable skyscrapers in the world (such
sucked up into the tornado, and the whirl’s
52 | Endeavour Magazine
could
cause
some
as the Empire State) only just reach that
Š Inf-Lite Teacher, www.flickr.com/photos/87328375@N06/ immense heat means that the ash can be potentially reignited, therefore increasing the ferocity of the juggernaut. They are a force to be reckoned with: the phenomenon can last up to an hour, and fire fighters are more or less helpless when it comes to ceasing the plight they cause - they cannot be extinguished like a usual fire, due to the rare weather pattern that has attached
itself to the flames, so have to be managed
tornado appeared at Curtin Springs, located
carefully until they dissipate.
in the Northern Territory of Australia: this
There are plenty of known examples
occurrence was notable as it is one of the
of fire whirls in the last 100 years. It had
best examples that has been filmed and
previously been assumed that they rarely
accounted for. You can easily find it on
form, but it has since been clarified that they
YouTube. It is certainly worth a watch - the
happen fairly regularly - it is just that they
ferocity it perfectly captured in ways that
are seldom witnessed or formally recorded.
words can simply not describe.
Thankfully, they only last for around 20
It is very apparent why fire devils own
minutes, so it is understandable that they
such a nickname, and so too is it apparent
may go on unnoticed. The most destructive
why people may have believed that they
account of a fire whirl comes from Japan
were a formation of God. It is an ordeal that
in 1923. The Great KantĹ? earthquake
I am sure we would all be relieved to NOT be
devastated the island of Honshu, and took
on the wrong side of in our lives, but I cannot
way over 100,000 lives. It is believed that
help but think that it would be a magnificent
during the chaos, fire tornados ripped
marvel to witness in real life, if given the
through the regions around Tokyo and took
chance (and a safe distance!) Since Moses
just under 40,000 lives within a 15-minute
and the Israelites were led to safety by a
period. More recently, in the 21st Century,
great pillar of fire, fire tornados have been
there have been various sightings. They
rationally explained, but they will certainly
are not a weather phenomenon that is
still maintain a mysterious reputation as one
limited to a particular climate or region:
of the lesser known and lesser witnessed
notable sightings recently include Asia,
occurrences of the natural world.
U.S.A., and the United Kingdom. One fire Endeavour Magazine | 53
MUNESHWERS LIMITED WWW.MUNESHWERS.COM // 00592 227 7417
CUT FROM THE RIGHT CLOTH It’s true what they say: mighty oaks grow from small acorns, and no company proves the point more succinctly than Muneshwers Ltd. Endeavour Magazine dug a little deeper to discover the roots of the surprising and phenomenally successful Guyana operation. WRITTEN BY AMY BUXTON
MUNESHWERS LIMITED
Founded in 1945, the initial business model of
Muneshwers was significantly different to the largescale operation that we are impressed by today. Starting life as a humble haberdashery, this Georgetown institution has organically grown into one of the largest, most successful and, crucially, most diverse companies in the whole of Guyana.
his is not simply a flattering portrayal; the sheer range of
T
“In all the sectors of business we operate in, hardware and
different interest areas is enough to confirm that Muneshwers
household goods, shipping and travel service, Muneshwers is one
has grown in line with the needs of the people that really
of the market leaders. Each of these industries is experiencing
matter - customers. Hardworking Guyanese locals now have access
small or negligible growth right now because the economy of the
to a comprehensive hardware store, household goods, a multi-
country is not growing at a rapid rate. Nevertheless, Muneshwers
purpose commercial port, commercial shipping services, logistics
is expanding its market share in each sector and is one of few
solutions, travel agency services and even and oil and gas base, all
companies prospering in a difficult environment.”
thanks to Muneshwers.
While most of Muneshwers’ interests are focussed within
Speaking about the initial motivation that provided the basis for
Guyana, thanks to a number of physical stores, there is a global
the founding of an empire, Robin Muneshwer, General Manager,
edge to this progressive operation as well, which comes into play
commented:
due to the port facilities on offer. Having identified an opportunity
“The company was started over 80 years ago by Somwaru
to join forces with worldwide organisations, this third-generation
Muneshwer, son of a cane-cutter, who through injury was unable
Guyanese giant of industry leapt at the chance and, in doing so,
to work on the sugar estate and thus decided to become a tailor.
contributed significantly to the socio-economic stability of Guyana.
He then decided to go into the business of buying and selling cloth
Robin explained:
as a way of supplementing his income. Thus, from such humble and
“The company is agent, stevedore and terminal operator for
inauspicious beginnings, the business was started - not to satisfy
Maersk shipping line, the number one container line in the world.
any particular customer demand, but merely as a form of livelihood,
The company is also the shore base provider for ExxonMobil
just as so many businesses have started.”
in Guyana, the number one oil & gas company in the world. It
It’s this sense of integrity and honesty that permeates every
is Muneshwers’ vision is to be the leader in all sectors with an
facet of what Muneshwers has grown into. Always motivated by
unsurpassed environment for the benefit of its customers and
consumer needs, Robin and his team are consistently seeking out
employees.”
new ways to offer the people of Guyana what they need and at the
It goes without saying that consumer satisfaction is key to
prices that they can afford, which is why the company, in all of its
the success of a business, but it’s those companies that seek to
incarnations, is a market leader:
recognise and develop exemplar staff members that will really
56 | Endeavour Magazine
DAVID PERSAUD INVESTMENTS LTD
flourish. After all, a company really is only as strong as the people that represent it, which is why Robin and his team are cognisant of elevating the colleagues that make a real difference: “Our company has approximately 300 staff members and has an excellent track record of retaining quality people. Our pay scales are above average, our working environment is very good and our management team is highly supportive of its staff. The company has a vibrant programme with respect to internal hiring and promotion. There is a lot of upward mobility in the company and we constantly invest in our employees, sending them on courses, providing training exercises in the company, etc. We pay commission to all of our sales teams in the stores, shipping agency and travel agency as well.”
LEADING WHOLESALER AND RETAILER OF
QUALITY CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS Our Main Business is Reinforcing Steel Bars, Steel Plates, Flats , Angles, Channels, Beams, Hollow Sections, and Galvanized Steel Tubes. We are also a seller/distributor of Plywood, Cement, Mesh Products for Fencing, Ceramic Tiles, Plumbing Fixtures and Fittings
It might sound old fashioned to young business minds, but starting at the bottom and working up through a company really is the best way to guarantee dedication, expertise and lifelong job security, and Muneshwers knows this. Having been in operation for over 80 years already, this is a tried and true methodology for staff retention and reward, as is strong yet supportive leadership: “Leadership by example is the best way - showing that you can do the job yourself that you ask of others. Otherwise, by motivational skills - staff must feel that the company cares for them and has their best interest at heart. If you want your staff to be
Sub lot X Plot A, Le Ressouvenir, East Coast Demerara, Guyana
Lot 43 High Street, Georgetown, Guyana
Tel: 592-220-2073 592-220-2164 592-231-0567 Fax: 592-220-2074 dpil58@yahoo.com
MUNESHWERS LIMITED loyal and care for the company, then you, as a manager, have to
shore base presence. We are also keen to develop off-site industrial
reciprocate.”
parks, to handle the requirements of all the oil field support
When asked what he thinks sets Muneshwers apart from
services companies that require off-site yard space, warehousing,
competitors, Robin described the tenacity and confidence that
offices etc. Some of these companies are the largest oil field service
underpins every decision made at the top. He talked about an
companies in the world, such as Schlumberger, Halliburton, Baker
inherent desire to identify new investment opportunities, as well
Hughes, Weatherford, Nalco Champion, Technip, FMC etc.”
as a talent for quick thinking, which, when combined, lead to
The development and expansion plans don’t end there,
commercial diversity and adaptability in the best way possible, not
however. Robin continued: “We will also develop an off-site
to mention the chance to make a little local history:
container terminal yard to handle containers, warehousing, vehicle
“In 2014, the company bought a 30-acre waterfront facility in
depot and offices. We are presently at maximum capacity at
Greater Georgetown and developed this to be a Shore Base for
our current location, and the only factor inhibiting our ability to
Exxon. This has been one of the largest, sole business investments in
increase our market share by attracting other shipping lines is the
the history of this country and has put Guyana on the international
lack of physical space. Getting additional land would go a long way
map in the oil and gas industry. The aim is for this facility to be a
to solving this problem. Finally, we would like to expand our store
world-class shore base and the best in the region.”
at the downtown location by incorporating a location that is across
History aside, it’s the future that matters, and with such a stable
the street.”
basis for even more growth, there is no doubting that there will be
Founded, grown and still managed by a Guyanese family, for the
many more exciting developments to come out of Muneshwers.
good of the local community, Muneshwers has become a household
Speaking with Robin about future plans, he revealed that there is
name, trusted retailer and respected employer for good reason.
plenty to keep an eye out for:
Operating with integrity and diversifying organically, the future is
“We are looking to expand the footprint of the shore base that
most certainly bright for Robin and his team, not to mention the
we currently possess, by acquiring properties immediately adjacent
great swathes of consumers who enjoy the unique combination of
to us in order to increase our waterfront capabilities and overall
quality and value that only Muneshwers can offer.
58 | Endeavour Magazine
MORATELINDO WWW.MORATELINDO.CO.ID // 0062 21 3199 8600
KEEPING THE WORLD CONNECTED Communication is king, especially in today’s technology-driven society. Modern technology seeks to make geographical location a non-entity in terms of easy interaction, and for Indonesia, Moratelindo is leading the way. WRITTEN BY AMY BUXTON
MORATELINDO
Founded back in 2000, Moratelindo came into being with a concrete purpose and vision of becoming a prominent broadband company in Indonesia. To say that this goal has been accomplished would be an understatement, but that doesn’t mean that the ambitious beginnings have been forgotten.
S
peaking to Michael McPhail, Chief Technology Officer for Moratelindo, he noted that:
“In 2012, Moratelindo completed construction of the major international submarine backbone of Jakarta, Bangka, Bintan,
“Moratelindo was the first company to establish an
Batam, and Singapore. Earlier, a similar network was constructed
international connection to Singapore from Indonesia. As a company,
connecting Batam-Dumai-Melaka. This network is the result of
we have always challenged the status quo in the marketplace, to
collaboration between Moratel, XL Axiata and Telekom Malaysia.
ensure that quality broadband services are delivered to as many
With the increasing numbers of customer needs, the network must
Indonesians as possible. This is our core driver and the reason for
be supported by a reliable data security and to comply with this,
our existence.”
Moratelindo built 6 Nusantara Data Centres.”
Profits are of course essential, but when the driving forces
With an extensive national network in place, with fibre optic
behind the continued success of an operation are client satisfaction
cabling throughout, it stands to reason that there needs to be
and an inherent desire to keep the world connected, it’s impossible
a contingent of reliable and expert staff in place to maintain
to not feel a little in awe of the morals and values at play.
it. Countless operations pay lip service to how valuable the
There has to be a balance, though. While it would be very
professional individuals that carry out day-to-day tasks are, but
humanitarian for a telecommunications company to operate below
Moratelindo takes things a step further by including its team in
a profitable margin, that would quickly lead to a lack of committed
the company’s value statement, which seeks to: “Deliver great
shareholders, resulting in investment funds drying up. With no
customer experiences through service; Embrace and drive change;
money to remain at the cutting edge of new developments, the
Build a positive team spirit and open communication; Be innovative
fantastic services offered by Moratelindo could suffer and, by
and open-minded; Be passionate; Be humble and act with integrity.”
proxy, customers would be dissatisfied. With this in mind, Michael
It’s a rare thing to find company values that include offering
and his colleagues operate in line with a clear mission that aims to
the right environment of support and communication to staff,
“Provide excellent network quality and best value for innovative
alongside focussing on their customer experience, but that’s exactly
telecommunication infrastructure services and to be a reliable
why Moratelindo is different. Just as every kilometre of cabling is
business partner that grows together with all stakeholders.”
essential for the continued connectivity of the national network,
So how exactly has Moratelindo set itself apart as the leading telecommunications operation in Indonesia? The answer is simple; by investing time and money into the development and maintenance of a reliable national network that is as secure as it is speedy: 62 | Endeavour Magazine
so too is every member of the team a vital component, as Michael explained: “We place paramount importance on the development of our teams, which is why we run extensive training programmes and
Endeavour Magazine | 63
MORATELINDO development courses to nurture the capabilities of our staff. We
makes sense, when you think about how competitive the world of
also work in partnership with educational institutions to identify
technology is, and how much we are all starting to rely on a constant
and develop new graduates that have potential, to ensure that we
connection to the internet.
have a solid foundation of talent across the organisation.”
Given how progressive Moratelindo is, Endeavour asked
Given that Moratelindo is already providing customers with
Michael what the future could hold: “Currently, Moratelindo
tailored solutions, a secure and consistent network and a contingent
is undergoing a very heavy development phase, with multiple
of expert staff that are always on hand, it could appear that there
projects targeting different markets all running in parallel. The
is little else to offer, but that’s not how you grow an operation!
key undertaking right now is the development of the Palapa Ring
With integrated services already on offer, it’s a case of looking to
Project, where we were awarded both the West (Barat) and East
the future and pre-empting what consumers will need and want in
(Timor) packages by the government. A development of over $1
order to stay ahead of the curve.
billion USD, it is set to connect multiple islands across Indonesia and
In recent years, data storage has become a key issue for many
support the government’s 2020 broadband plan. The West package
consumers, with the cloud slipping into everyday vernaculars
was complete on schedule and is currently operational, while the
with ease. This issue offered a great opportunity to showcase
East package, which is significantly more complicated, is due for
how Moratelindo aims to always be at the forefront of new
completion this year.”
developments.
A trusted, respected and frequently relied upon operation,
Having identified the importance of reliable and secure data
Moratelindo offers solutions for everyone, from domestic
services, Moratelindo created a number of data centres, all designed
consumers through to government departments. It might be good
to offer hosting, collocation and cloud services, in addition to virtual
to talk, but it’s better to email and save treasured memories to
private servers as well. Taking into account that all of these services
the cloud, which is why Moratelindo will be a household name in
are available on top of more standard broadband offerings, you can
Indonesia for many years to come.
get a real feel for how forward-thinking Michael and his team are. It
JAKARTA - – – PREPARE FOR LIGHTSPEED 900 KILOMETERS WITH SUBSEA FIBER OPTICAL CABELS Nexans, a global leader in advanced cabling and connectivity solutions, is supplying PT Mora Telematica Indonesia (Moratel) with submarine fiber-optic cables linking Jakarta to Surabaya. This is an important step to ensure telecommunications and broadband access and bridging the digital devide for the local communities across the Indonesian archipelago. For more information about our products and services, visit www.nexans.com
64 | Endeavour Magazine
COEGA DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION WWW.COEGA.CO.ZA // 27 41 403 0400
A WHOLE NEW WORLD When Endeavour Magazine learned of an innovative operation that seeks to improve the socio-economic development of South Africa, there was no option but to take a closer look. We spoke with Dr Ayanda Vilakazi, Unit Head of Marketing, Brand and Communications for the Coega Development Corporation’s Business Development team, to discover exactly how it plans to do so. WRITTEN BY AMY BUXTON
COEGA DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION The Coega Development Corporation (CDC) stand apart from
most companies, in that they offer a range of services that are all specifically geared towards the creation of a stronger, more economically stable and unified South Africa. This might sound like an ambitious game plan, but CDC has masterminded a unique approach: “CDC is a development agency enabling sustainable socioeconomic development in South Africa, through investment, infrastructure development, SMME development, mentorship and facilitating skills transfer, and has an impact of approximately R3.9 billion per annum in the Eastern Cape GDP.””
I
t is all very well aiming to be a catalyst for the championing of
service to various clients locally in the Eastern Cape and nationally
socio-economic development and growth in South Africa, but
- including the Departments of Health, Education, Roads & Public
in order to actually yield results, there has to be an element
Works, Sports Recreation Arts and Culture, Rural Development
of not only seizing but also creating sustainable opportunities,
and Land Report, and Economic Development Environmental
which is why CDC operates alongside a mission statement to
Affairs and Tourism.” Of importance, is Coega R400 million small
“provide a competitive investment location and facilitate holistic
harbour development programme in the Western Cape, where
infrastructure and value-adding commercial business solutions.”
13 small harbours are being refurbished on behalf of the National
So, how has CDC created the right framework for all of this
Department of Public Works. Some of these harbours include Hout
essential development? Through a comprehensive matrix of services
Bay, Saldanha, Gansbaai, Laaiplek, Lamberts and St. Helena Bay,
and the creation of the spectacular Coega Special Economic Zone
to name but a few, to-date have created 102 jobs and benefited
development.
11SMMEs to the tune of R3.5 million. Coega’s expertise in
The reach of CDC, not to mention their variation in professional
project management, infrastructure development and facilities
expertise, comes into focus immediately when the full scope of
management are currently being expanded to the rest of the
services on offer are examined:
African Continent, especially to Southern Africa.
“Coega Development Corporation offers a fully inclusive
The CDC started as an operator of the Coega SEZ in 1999,
range of business management services and products including
and later diversified into other businesses, including project
special economic zone operations and development, facilities and
management and infrastructure development. The special economic
project management for infrastructure projects, business solutions,
zone serves as a one-stop metropolis for all things export-related;
human capital solutions, corporate travel arrangements for local
it currently boost 43 operational investors (local & international)
and international customers, and strategic business consulting
with R7.079 billion in private sector investment; and over eighty
solutions.” To put this into context, these services can be applied to
percent (80%) of these companies have seen an increase in their
essentially any sector and industry, which in turn could significantly
productivity and profits since starting operations in the zone, with
improve the socio-economic standing of South Africa:
the benefits being felt throughout the Nelson Mandela Metro and
“Since the 2010/11 financial year, Coega has managed
the rest of the province.
schools, hospitals and road-building projects valued in excess
Our investors says these are the top reasons for investing at
of R7 billion, using its organisational expertise to drive socio-
Coega: world class infrastructure; easy access to air, sea and road
economic development in tvarious provinces in South Africa - the
network (overnight cargo flight from major airports); integrated
Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Northern Cape, Western Cape,
logistics services; speed of delivery and flexibility for mega and
Mpumalanga, to name but a few. Coega is making great strides by
minor projects; one stop shop for investor related services;
offering its mega and complex infrastructure projects expertise as a
incentives framework; injection of scarce skills into the local
68 | Endeavour Magazine
COEGA DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION market Nelson Mandela Metro city lifestyle; and good corporate governance.
It’s worth noting that the favourable position of the zone is the result of anything but chance. It was created in a prime spot,
“The Coega Special Economic Zone (Coega SEZ), located close
adjacent to the Port of Ngqura, which is a deep-water harbour that
to the bustling Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality,
offers easy access to global markets. Everything has been designed
is South Africa’s foremost investment hotspot for industries with
to maximise the potential for commercial gain and countrywide
a global perspective. Developed and managed by the Coega
affluence, but none of this would be possible without the support
Development Corporation, this pioneering multi-billion Rand
of a cherry-picked team of experts. Speaking with Dr Ayanda
project aims to drive local and foreign direct investments in
Vilakazi, he highlighted just how hard CDC works to secure and
export-oriented industries - positioning South Africa as the hub
retain the right people:
for Southern African trade. The Coega SEZ, whilst offering global
“We work hard to be a good employer, offering a more
competitiveness through world-class infrastructure, tax incentives,
personable approach. This is important as we are cognisant of the
rebates and a duty-free zone, is purpose-built for manufacturing.
fact that some of our staff with scarce skills relocate to be close
This includes the beneficiation of export goods, investment and
to the operations and as a result, are further away from their
local socio-economic growth, as well as skills development and
families.” CDC provides exceptional employee conditions, nurtures
job creation.”
and develops talent throughout all levels of the organisation and
The Coega SEZ has four major projects under construction
has demonstrable leadership status in the HR environment, always
valued at R12 billion over the next few years. These include: the
striving to optimise its employment practices and to develop its
Beijing Automobile International Corporation (BAIC) (automotive
employees. Considering how many areas CDC specialises in, it
sector),
Engineering
must be exceptionally difficult to find the right calibre of support
(metals sector) and the Customs Control Area in Zone 1
staff, hence when they are hired, they are nurtured and developed
(logistics sector).
in order to secure a level of extra commitment and dedication: “We
Osho
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have a staff recognition policy in place that focuses on developing
in 40 years, at Coega will have a far reaching impact, expected to
and incentivising those people that perform above expectations.”
create 11 500 jobs over the next five years.
“Our staff contribute to the continued success of CDC and
With an incredible record of excellence, the CDC has won local
South Africa as a whole, so going beyond the call of duty is
and international prestigious awards of excellence, which include
somewhat necessary, but always recognised. Because of this, we
Vision 2030 - Infrastructure Development award.
were named as the 2017 and 2018 Top Employer in Construction,
international best practice in the SEZ operations and development
Energy, Engineering Sector, an accolade we are very proud of.”
as well as project management, the CDC has achieved the following
To ensure
CDC is also proud of having reached a significant milestone: as
ISO standards: ISO 9001; 14001; 20001; 27001; 31000; and
an employer, since the organisation was founded, it has created in
OHSAS 18001. Dr Yuanchao agrees: “I’ve been to many developing
excess of a staggering 100,000 job opportunities. Ayanda noted
countries and industrial development zones, the Coega SEZ is by
that; “It gives us great pleasure to have realised this milestone.
far the best of them all” - Dr LI Yuanchao, Vice President of the
Equally, it serves as a motivator for us to push even further towards
People’s Republic of China.
our vision to become the leading catalyst for the championing of socio-economic development,”
All told. CDC is an incredible South African organisation that is run by and for the benefit of the wider region. From offering an
This positive employment trend looks set to continue, in 2018
exemplar industrial hub through to creating regular job opportunities
the organisation has added another 17 767, bringing total number
and offering extensive project management expertise, it seems as
of jobs created since inception to 130 741. The four exciting
though there is nothing that CDC can’t do. Ayanda concluded by
projects in progress. The Osha Cement plant, BAIC manufacturing
saying: “To us, it’s not about the bricks and mortar, it’s about what
plant, MM Engineering, and a customs control warehouse are all
the investment can translate meaningfully into the lives of ordinary
currently on-going and, cumulatively, have created 2130 jobs. BAIC
citizens of the Eastern Cape.”
SA’s R11billion automotive investment, the biggest in the sector
Vice President of the People’s Republic of China - Dr LI Yuanchao (far right) congratulates the Premier of the Eastern Cape - Phumulo Masualle (Dr. Li’s left) on Coega’s Top Performance Award.
LILONGWE WATER BOARD WWW.LWB.MW // 00265 1 750 366
FOR EVERYONE, ALL THE TIME With a long dry season, short wet season and struggles with poverty, Malawi is a country that relies on its water supply. It is one of the least developed countries in the world, with even 76% of its capital’s population living in informal settlements. Under such conditions, the Lilongwe Water Board has its work cut out for it. We took a look to see how the Board are rising to the task. WRITTEN BY ALICE INSTONE-BREWER
LILONGWE WATER BOARD
Lilongwe is a humid, subtropical city, the capital of a country that experiences everything from baking to mild weather. Located at the centre of Malawi, the city homes an estimated population of over 1,100,000. Near Malawi’s borders with Mozambique and Zambia, Lilongwe is an important economic and transportation hub for the country. However, life for the capital’s residence, and for the wider population of Malawi, isn’t easy.
T
he country is regards as of the least developed in the world,
Kamuzu Dam I acts as a balancing reservoir and its outflow goes
in terms of economy and country infrastructure, and this
directly into Kamuzu Dam II: the water then flows down to the
is reflected by its capital city. By rights the most affluent
abstraction point, about 20 km downstream.
around in Malawi, 76% of Lilongwe’s population live in informal
The LWB also operates two main treatment plants, TW I and
settlements, while poverty stands at 25% and unemployment at
TW II, which are situated within the Water Works Campus. The
16%. In conditions such as this, monitoring and protecting the
combined capacity of these two plants is about 125,000 cubic
safe delivery of basic essentials is crucial, and this includes the
meters per day. This capacity allows the plants to serve around
responsibility of looking after the city’s water supply.
75% of the area’s 1,100,000 population. Of this number, about
Established in 1947, Lilongwe Water Board (LWB) is a parastatal
65,000 are metered customers, whilst others are able to access
water utility organization in Malawi and reconstituted by the
the company’s 750 water Kiosks (communal water selling points)
Act of Parliament ‘Water Works Act No. 17 of 1995. The Board
within the city.
is mandated to supply potable water to the City of Lilongwe and
Lilongwe Water Board is also investing in other two
the surrounding areas. Its clients include domestic, institutional,
groundwater initiatives to up the percentage of the population
industrial as well as commercial customers.
that they can serve. These new initiatives are called the Airwing
Malawi’s capital was named after the Lilongwe River, and it is
Groundwater Project and the Mbavi Groundwater Projects. The
from this river that the LWB extracts its water. They primarily do
Airwing Groundwater Project is expected to add about 3,000mᵌ
this using two dams, which capture the water as it passes down
per day to the daily water production, benefitting 82,000 people in
from the Dzalanyama Ranges and through Lilongwe. These dams,
Area 46 (Mtandile, Airwing, Njewa, Chitipi and parts of Likuni). On
Kamuzu Dam I and II, create a total catchment area is approximately
top of this, the Mbavi Groundwater Project is expected to augment
1,870 square km. Kamuzu Dam I was constructed in 1966 and has
water production capacity with additional 3,369.6mᵌ per day,
a storage capacity of 4.5 million cubic meters; Kamuzu Dam II was
serving people in Mbavi, Airwing, Chitedze and surrounding areas.
constructed in 1989 with an initial storage capacity of 9.2 million
LWB state their company vision to be: “To be a leading customer
cubic meters. The Dam was rehabilitated and raised in 1999, thus
focused, financially viable water utility in Southern Africa,” and to
increasing the storage capacity to 19.8 million cubic meters. Now,
“provide adequate water supply services in a sustainable, efficient
74 | Endeavour Magazine
LILONGWE WATER BOARD and customer responsive manner.” Ultimately, though, their motto
their dedication to sustainable operations, saying: “Climate change
sums up exactly why achieving this vision is so important: “Potable
is real and has a lasting effect on water supplies. It is therefore
water all the time, for all.”
imperative for water utilities to develop climate change strategies
Water is not a resource that we can do without; as providers
to adapt to the changing environment and avoid disastrous effects
of the area’s water, LWB are bastions for the people, and the
to consumers. Avoiding water crises requires long-term planning
Board faces the challenges of this seriously. Their 482 members
and coordinated response.”
of staff are tasked with upholding a lengthy list of values set out by the company, including integrity, fairness, innovation, discipline,
In response to this, the board is “in the process of developing
teamwork and responsibility, to name but a few. By upholding
a Climate Adaptation Strategy which will align the organization to
these values and delivering to a high standard, the board’s
the emerging issues of climate change as related to water supply.”
operations and services are able to help contribute to the wider
They are also funding the planting of trees along the Lilongwe
national development. They do this by linking the board’s corporate
River to save the water source from erosion that has been caused
plan to such framework policy tools as the Malawi Development
by deforestation, thus addressing sustainability on a local as well
and Growth Strategy, nationally, and the Millennium Development
as a global level. All told, the LWB is aware of its responsibilities,
Goals, globally. This involvement in a bigger industrial picture not
and it manages them all well: in unstable times and in an unstable
only helps them to provide water to those who rely on them, but
infrastructure, at least the capital knows that its water supply is in
in the long terms, allows them to play their part in helping Malawi
steady hands.
develop on a larger scale. On top of this, the LWB is also looking to its global responsibility by addressing its part in working towards a more sustainable future for our planet. A recent press release from the company declared
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76 | Endeavour Magazine
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Endeavour Magazine | 77
LANDING JEJU DEVELOPMENT CO. LTD WWW.JEJUSHINHWAVILLAS.CO.KR // 0082 64 908 3881
HIDDEN ADVENTURES Jeju Island is a truly unique haven of natural beauty. A basin of greenery surrounded by blue water, this strange South Korean get-away is a popular destination for holiday makers, and an iconic place to for Landing Jeju Development Co., Ltd to set up their world class resort. We spoke with Bernard How, SVP of IT for the company, to learn more about these remarkable locations. WRITTEN BY ALICE INSTONE-BREWER
LANDING JEJU DEVELOPMENT CO. LTD
Located off the coast of the Korean Peninsula, the South
Korean World Heritage Site of Jeju Island is a striking sight. The volcanic island is both the largest island and smallest province in South Korea, and its volcanic past is responsible for its unusual, bowl-like appearance. Thanks to its beauty and odd formation, it is a popular tourist destination, with much of its economy relying on the activity this creates at its civil/naval base.
W
ith rock walls rising up into a concave structure, the island holds a sloping world of green, including a dormant volcano, volcanic lakes, and the resultant lush environment
from the quality of the island’s soil. This dormant volcano, Hallasan, lies at the centre of the island’s Mt. Halla National Park. The
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lushness and variety of the wildlife cradled here cannot be overemphasised. A record 1,565 vascular plant species have been recorded in the area, the highest number of plants in any mountain. Animal life is similarly thriving, with 17 types of mammals, eight species of amphibians, eight species of reptiles, and an impressive
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198 species of birds populating its rich canopies. Included within this menagerie are several endangered species, such as the Siberian roe deer, the adorable but vicious leopard cat, and nearby schools
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of bottlenose dolphins and finless porpoise. Given all of this beauty, it is no surprise that the odd island attracts visitors, and of course,
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where tourism exists, opportunity arises. After all, these travellers need a place to stay!
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Landing Jeju Development Co. Ltd have the claim to fame of having built the very first integrated resort in Jeju Island: Jeju Shinhwa World, a glittering array of premium leisure and entertainment facilities that were designed to cater to local and overseas visitors of all ages. Built in the south-west of the island, this resort spans across approximately 2.5 million square meters of land, and represents a total investment of exceeding 2 trillion Korean Won to develop. This vast undertaking produced a holiday
www.jcmglobal.com 80 | Endeavour Magazine
destination that boasts everything a visitor could possible want,
Shinhwa Theme Park, and Lionsgate Movie World. Shinhwa Theme
including – remarkably – both a theme park and waterpark. These
Park is no small development: this park brags a full 20 rides and
offerings are managed by six departments within the company:
three different themed zones, each based on the world’s various
Shinhwa Hotels, Shinhwa Theme Park, Shinhwa Waterpark,
myths and legends that the park brings to life not only through
Shinhwa Shoppes, Shinhwa Entertainment and Shinhwa Villas.
its rides, but an immersive environment, cultural exhibits and live
Shinhwa Hotels and Shinhwa Villas, between them, total over
performances.
2,000 rooms for visitors, complete with conference rooms and the ability to host conventions and exhibitions. Four resorts work
These three areas are Rotary Park, created in the style of the late 19th century,
together to accommodate the visitors to Jeju Shinhwa World:
Larva’s Adventure Village, a children’s area where cartoon
Landing Resort, Shinhwa Resort, Marriott Resort, and Four Seasons
characters will present various myths and folktales all over the
Resort. To get an idea of the quality on offer, Bernard told us about
world in an “easy and fun manner”, and Oscar’s New World, a
the Marriott Resort – the first Marriott in Jeju. The 627 guestrooms
“mysterious ancient city built in a jungle that features dappled
at the Jeju Shinhwa World Marriott Resort include 344 Deluxe,
trees and stone structures.” This part of the park makes the most
129 Premier, 10 Deluxe Suites and 2 Presidential Suites. Available
of the island’s location and natural beauty, its description inviting
within the hotel itself, without even having to venture to the wider
guests to “climb through the forest canopy and into the mysterious,
resort areas, are state-of-the-art facilities and services including an
hidden rooms in the temple, or join in the battle to restore utopia.”
all-day dining restaurant, a Great Room Bar and Pool Bar.
Calling all Lara Crofts and Indiana Jones!
The entertainment facilities, though, are the real cause for
Speaking of movies, Lionsgate Movie World at Jeju Shinhwa
excitement. The resort offers a world-class retail and food and
World is – or more accurately, will be - Lionsgate’s first-ever
beverage (F&B) complex, gyms and spas, and not one, not two,
outdoor movie-themed theme park. Still under development, this
but three entertainment parks! These are the Shinhwa Waterpark,
third entertainment park at the resort will combine state-of the-art
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LANDING JEJU DEVELOPMENT CO. LTD rides, attractions, shows, themed dining and retail experiences to
Philippines and soon, Japan. However, Jeju Island is a unique
immerse guests within some of the studio’s most popular films ever
product by itself, attracting 15-17 million tourists each year.”
produced, including rides inspired by Hunger Games, Cabin in the Woods and Twilight.
He isn’t wrong. When jet-setting off to a luxurious casino getaway, what destination could feel more exclusive than this stunning,
One of the biggest attractions in the resort, however, is the
hidden paradise? This isn’t to say that these competing countries
casino. Shinhwa Entertainment receives guests from all over
aren’t also beautiful, but it’s hard to come close to the tucked away
the world, including casual players to seasoned high rollers.
waterfalls and vibrant, secret-seeming world of this volcanic island.
Complemented by unparalleled customer privileges and opened 24
It is this, combined with a strong IR offering, that secures Landing
hours a day, seven days a week, the high quality of the casino gives
Jeju’s foothold: “It is a truly tourist destination: sunny beaches in
Jeju Shinhwa World a cutting edge in its appeal.
the summer, the volcanic island and lava tubes, a variety of museum
We spoke with Bernard How, an SVP with the company,
and attractions, and of course, duty free shopping of world class
to ask about the state of the International Relationships
Korean cosmetics products. All these factors differentiate Jeju
(IR)
Island from other integrated resorts in the region.”
Industry in
South
Korea,
and
Landing Jeju’s
place
within it:
Keeping a resort of this scale and quality running requires
“The IR industry in South Korea is a relatively young industry.
a team of highly trained staff. As a small island, sourcing these
However, it is a growing industry not only locally but globally. As
staff can provide a challenge, but Landing Jeju’s approach is
you may hear from the news, many countries in Asia are exploring
twofold – firstly, they run outreach programmes to bring young
and reviewing their local laws to allow investors to build integrated
people into the industry. Together with the Jeju government, the
resorts with gaming components, to cultivate the tourism industry.
company sponsors local Jeju graduates to be trained overseas for
As such, we definitely face competitions from Singapore, Macau,
the hospitality sector: “Actively, our HR has conducted leadership
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82 | Endeavour Magazine
programs, soft skills training programs for customer services, and foreign language programs such as Mandarin as part of our staff improvement program.” Secondly, the company invests time and effort into their team so that they keep hold of the talented employees they have: “I always believe promotion within. The IT leadership, for example, have been directed to identify their potential successors and develop these talents so that they grow their career with us.” With solid approaches to attracting both staff and guests, and a secure position in one of the most enviable tourism destinations on the planet, it is no wonder that Landing Jeju are doing well. We’ll be keeping an eye on their future expansions – hopefully from beside one of their pools!
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Computer Telephony Endeavour Magazine | 83
QATALUM WWW.QATALUM.COM // 00974 4403 1111
SUPPORTING A VISION Qatalum are a young company on the aluminum scene, but that hasn’t stopped them quickly making an impressive name for themselves. Celebrated both in Qatar and internationally, the joint venture is well known for its contributions to its industry – a reputation that they plan to maintain as they push forwards with their vision and that of Qatar’s leadership. WRITTEN BY ALICE INSTONE-BREWER
QATALUM
Qatalum are a young company on the aluminum scene, but
that hasn’t stopped them quickly making an impressive name for themselves. Celebrated both in Qatar and internationally, the joint venture is well known for its contributions to its industry – a reputation that they plan to maintain as they push forwards with their vision and that of Qatar’s leadership.
W
hen it comes to reuse, it can’t be faulted; the material
material is also used for vehicles such as hovercrafts and other
loses none of its properties when it is recycled, meaning it
chassis and bodies that require as light a weight as possible.
could theoretically keep being recycled to infinity without
Unsurprisingly, the automotive industry is the main market
ever decreasing in quality. If this amazing fact wasn’t enough, the
for Qatar Aluminium Limited, closely followed by the world of
creation of recycled aluminium only takes 5% of the energy it takes
construction. Qatar Aluminium Limited (Qatalum) is a joint venture
to make the metal anew. That’s 95% less energy, with 0% depletion
between two industry giants - Hydro Aluminium and Qatar
of the material. Those figures are ridiculous, and neatly dispel any
Petroleum (QP). Formed in 2007, they officially began operations
concerns that the energy spent in recycling outweighs the final
in 2009, and its smelter hit full-capacity production rates two years
result.
later, in 2011. The company are dedicated to sustainability and
Thankfully, 75% of the aluminium currently in use was recycled
clean production; in their own words, “We are keenly aware of the
– but why do we have the other 25%? Whilst some of this statistic
importance and value of our planet and its environment, and we
is the result of aluminium being wasted and sent to land-fills, it also
refuse to compromise on its health and long-term sustainability.
represents the ever-growing demand for the material continually
To this end the Qatalum Production System has core principles
outstripping what is currently in circulation. Not only does our
that help us to better protect our environment. Our operations
expanding consumer appetite constantly call for an increase in
emphasize efficiency, which allows us to reduce our energy
products, but this wonder-metal is also, it’s encouraging to see,
consumption and GHG emissions per unit of production.”
slipping in to the manufacturing process and replacing less cost-
Qatalum were fast in claiming their strong position on the
effective materials. For example, in a vehicle, one kilogram of
aluminium scene - when two giants come together to create
aluminium can supplement two kilograms of heavier materials like
something new, it’s no surprise that baby’s first steps are ground-
steel or iron. This allows for the creation of lighter cars that use less
shaking. The company leads has a strong lead in its industry both
fuel and produce an average of 20 kg less emissions. The lighter
in Qatar and the GCC, able to produce over 630,000 tons of high-
86 | Endeavour Magazine
QATALUM quality aluminium a year. Despite its output and size, the company
keep the plant as efficient as possible, it was designed with low NOx
also claims theirs is one of the most environmentally friendly
burner technology and selective catalytic reduction. The reliability
aluminium smelters in the world.
of this power plant is essential for Qatalum to operate; a power
Qatalum maintain their ambitiously attained status by
cut of more than a few hours could severely damage all aluminium
encouraging what they call “a culture of continuous improvement”
currently in production, meaning such incidents aren’t an option.
within the company. This is on a corporate and personal level, ranging
For this reason, the plant includes spare capacity, with the option
from R&D, staff training and even personal goals. For example, the
to feed to or take from the national grid if ever necessary.
company launched a five-year improvement program designed
The famous casthouse’s reputation for quality precedes it. It has
specifically to make them one of the 10 most efficient smelters in
been designed around the principle of high efficiently at a low cost,
the world. This all-encompassing goal meant improvements both
so much so that it regularly outdoes its own calculated capacity,
in savings and competence; the result is a strong lead within Gulf
producing mostly extrusion ingots and foundry alloys, although it
aluminium, both in terms of operational excellence and the high
is also able to produce standard primary ingots. Meanwhile, the
quality of the aluminium they produce.
company’s integrated carbon plant produces over 1,200 anodes
So what sort of operation are we talking about? Qatalum’s
per day – that’s around one anode per minute. Anodes are made
physical footprint is approximately 2.7 km² - that’s around 260
from petroleum coke, recycled butts and pitch. All in all, the plant
football fields. Included in this vas complex are a carbon plant,
will produce approximately 320,000 tons of anodes per year.
port and storage facilities, and ever a dedicated power plant.
The site also holds Qatalum’s Zero Energy and Emission Building
These dedicated, on-site facilities reduce the need for unnecessary
(ZEEB) lab, which is dedicated to researching and testing aluminium
transport of the aluminium and avoid putting strain on exterior sites
used in curtain-wall solutions in a study to create energy, emission
to keep up with Qatalum’s capacity. The powerplant can generate
and carbon neutral buildings in the Middle East. This lab was built
some 1,350 MW, exceeding the smelter’s usage of 1,050 MW. To
by Norwegian company Hydro, one of Qatalum’s key partners
88 | Endeavour Magazine
alongside Qatar Petroleum. As Qatalum describes the partnerships, “Qatar Petroleum provides a unique combination of long-term competitive energy resources and industrial infrastructure, whilst Hydro is a global integrated aluminium industry leader with close to a century of experience of aluminium production.” This lab, along with Qatalum’s continued efforts to maximise their efficiency, are all parts of their mission to support sustainable industry, as a part of their involvement in Qatar’s National Vision 2030 – a vision launched by Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani in order to guide economic, social, human and environmental development of the country. The vision is intended as a beacon to light the way forwards for all the peoples of Qatar, and Qatalum value its importance in guiding a way to the future; “The National Vision 2030 continues to be a major part of our long-term strategic plans. We recognise that industrial diversification will be a key element of Qatar’s continued economic development, alongside environmental protection measures and social policies that will provide the platform for a sustainable tomorrow.”
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Endeavour Magazine | 89
AUTOMOTIVES VOLVO XC40 2018 - EUROPEAN CAR OF THE YEAR
V
olvo’s new XC40 small SUV has been named the 2018 European Car of the Year ahead of the Geneva Motor
Show in Switzerland. This win is the first acknowledgement Volvo has received from this award, suggesting this is an exceptional mode from the company! The XC40 win also means that the complete line-up of new global Volvo SUVs have each been named Car of the Year in either Europe or North America. Both the large XC90 and mid-size XC60 were awarded the North American Truck/Utility of the Year title in the past two years. What’s more , early orders for the model were in excess of 20,000 cars across Europe and the US! Clearly, it’s a popular make, and they’re expecting similar success from their roll-out in China. So what has gotten everyone so excited? In short, the XC40 sets a new standard in its segment in terms of design, connectivity and safety technology. It is the first model on Volvo Cars’ new compact modular vehicle architecture (CMA), which will underpin all upcoming cars in the 40 series, including fully electrified vehicles. 90 | Endeavour Magazine
The XC40 is also the first Volvo to come with a car-sharing feature, enabled
a monthly flat-fee subscription rather than ownership.
via Volvo’s digital key technology and its
Safety and driver-assistance features
connected services platform, Volvo On Call.
on the XC40 include Volvo Cars’ Pilot
(Not available in the UK) This technology
Assist system, City Safety, Run-off Road
means that XC40 owners can simply share
Protection and Mitigation, Cross Traffic Alert
their car with family and friends without
with brake support, and the 360° camera
having to hand over a physical key. Yet
that helps drivers manoeuvre their car into
another first is the XC40’s introduction
tight parking spaces. The XC40 also offers
of Volvo Cars’ new subscription service,
ingenious interior design and storage ideas,
Care by Volvo, which offers car access via
with more functional storage space in the
doors and under the seats, a special space
“We have a clear strategy for growth
for the first time. The XC40 will be a strong
for phones (including inductive charging), a
and we are committed to leading in
contributor to further growth, taking us into
foldout hook for small bags, plus a removable
automotive safety, connectivity services and
a new and fast-growing small SUV segment.”
waste bin in the tunnel console.
electrification,” said Håkan Samuelsson. “The
With such high praise, enthusiatic
In 2017, the company announced
XC40 reflects that commitment, and looking
reception and so many initiatives in play the
its commitment to electrify all Volvo
at the response from our customers and
XC40 not only seems like a great toy to get
Cars launched from 2019. In line with
from the Car of the Year jury here today, we
your hands on, but also suggests an exciting
this leadership position in electrification,
are on the right track.”
future both in this line and other offerings
a hybridised as well as a pure electric
“Winning this award with our new
powertrain option for the XC40 will be
XC40 is perfect timing. Volvo now has
added later.
three globally available SUVs in its range
from Volvo in the future.
Endeavour Magazine | 91
KUKU FOODS WWW.KFEAH.COM // 00254 20 5144200
A FINGER-LICKIN’ FRANCHISE Colonel Sanders’ smiling face is known the world over, but who are the teams behind the American icon? We spoke with Kuku Foods East Africa Holdings Ltd, the Kenyan-based East Africa franchise-holder for Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC). WRITTEN BY ALICE INSTONE-BREWER
KUKU FOODS
KFC is an American fast food chain well-known for its
fried chicken. A subsidiary of Yum! Brands, KFC is second only to McDonalds in terms in sales, with over 20,500 locations in over 125 countries, the brand in prolific. Less of a household name as the franchiseholders who run the Kentucky-based chain’s locations outside of the USA. One such company is Kuku Foods East Africa Holdings Ltd.
K
FC was founded by Colonel Harland Sanders in Kentucky
company was officially founded and opened its first outlet, in the
during the Great Depression – a courageous and some would
Junction Mall in Nairobi, Kenya, was announced in 2013, although
say foolhardy time to launch a business. However, a hardy
its intentions had been announced two years before. Today, it has
businessman by nature (the honorific ‘Colonel’ was a title of honour
become one of the region’s most successful fast food providers –
in Kentucky, not a military title), Sanders wasn’t one to shy away
something that must partly be credited to KFC’s popularity, but
from the challenge. He was also a visionary: seeing the potential of
must also be credited to the efforts and standards of the company
restaurant franchising early, the first franchised branch of his brand
itself.
opened in Utah in 1952. However, as the company’s expansion
Representing KFC in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, the holding
snowballed, the fast-paced, global approach became too much for
has had flourishing success in all three countries since inception.
the colonel – a more hands on, traditional businessman at heart, he
It expanded beyond Kenya after its first successful year, taking
sold the company to a group of investors in 1964. Even so, his all-
the time to plan and to conduct careful market research, much as
American face and name remain intrinsic to the brand to this day.
it did in the two years between announcement and launch of its
At the time of KFC’s launch, the hamburger had dominated the
first outlet. This preparation includes carefully mapping out their
American fast-food market, but the company’s popularity made
consumer profile in the area, evaluating their supply chain, and
chicken into a contender. It was also one of the first American
looking into the particular operational challenges of that area to
chains to expand globally – possibly explaining why this pace of
make sure that they are sufficiently equipped to take them on. All of
growth eventually became too much for Sanders. By this point, in
this is evaluated with a five-year view. Growth is slow, but steady,
the mid 1960s, the chain had locations in Canada, Mexico, the UK
and accelerates a little every year; today, the company presents
and Jamaica. In 1987, it became the first even Western restaurant
over 30 restaurants in Kenya alone.
chain to open in China.
Their success in their five years of business has been noted.
So where does Kuku Foods factor in to this history? The East
In 2016, KFC’s Regional Leadership meeting awarded Kuku the
African wing of the chicken chain is only a recent addition; the
Franchise of the Year award, in acknowledgement not only of
94 | Endeavour Magazine
KUKU FOODS the franchise’s growth and success in general, but in particular,
want to achieve local success; representing a well-known chain
to recognise a push of efforts that took place in 2015. With its
brand means re-creating the menu, feel and expectations of that
presence in all three countries established and grounded, Kuku
chain, but it also means understanding your local audience and
had turned its attention towards streamlining its strategies, raising
catering the chain to that culture. This includes adding local dishes
its customer service performance and pouring energy into new
to the menu, and also making sure that they can provide KFC’s
restaurant builds and pulling in staff. Its feet were firmly planted,
iconic flavours and staple meals with locally-sourced ingredients.
and it was ready to flex – and did so well enough to capture the
They must also constantly monitor trends, both to assess where
global brand’s attention. The criteria for the award evaluated the
their newest locations should be established, and to keep up with
following: the spirit of the partnership. ability to deliver a winning
varying needs and demands in the locations they run.
customer experience, excellent operational standards, openness to
One of the biggest trends that Kuku have adapted to is the
innovation and adding of sales layers, building new KFC restaurants,
growing need for convenience, which has inspired the holding
and the quality of existing restaurants. To top all of these is certainly
to launch a regional delivery service for what is traditionally only
an achievement, especially after only a couple of years in business!
a take-away or eat-in restaurant. This follows a pattern that is
On top of this, Kuku was also nominated for Developer of the Year
happening the world-over, both with take-away chains and even
and People Grower of the Year.
fully eat-in restaurants, thanks to companies such as Deliveroo
To Kuku, an essential ingredient in this success is down to their
and Postmates. The popularity for this service was soon booming,
people. Carefully selecting their staff and training them to meet
with Kenya’s outlets a lone quickly seeing over 20,000 deliveries
the chain’s, and their own, mark, producing staff with a passion
a month. This success then freed up money from the Board to
for innovation and entrepreneurial thinking, as well as customer
invest in this service for Kuku’s Uganda and Tanzania outlets. The
service. This creative thinking is essential for a franchise if they
service not only requires the obvious costs of delivery personnel
96 | Endeavour Magazine
and vehicles, but also ordering and tracking technology to ensure a smooth and professional process from start to finish. Such large-scale investments occur alongside the rolling costs of keeping their franchise up to date. Every five years, Kuku has committed to fully upgrade every restaurant that they oversee, to make sure that the kitchens, systems and look of the outlets never fall below par. The success of a multinational giant doesn’t just lie at the head; a chain relies on every link, and Kuku are passionate about safeguarding the KFC identity whilst delivering this in an East African way. Just as Colonel Sanders’ restaurant has spread the world over, we anticipate that it will continue to spread across Africa at a similar rate – especially with his ongoing legacy in such safe hands.
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SHEFFIELD STEEL SYSTEMS LIMITED Email: info@sheffieldafrica.com www.sheffieldafrica.com +254 713 444 000 +254 713 777 111
KENYA I TANZANIA I UGANDA I RWANDA Endeavour Magazine | 97
AL AHLIA WWW.AHLIAINTEG.NET // 00 965 2467 0152
A SPARK OF RECOGNITION A heavy hitter in the Kuwait world of Electro-Mechanical Services, Al-Ahlia Integrated General Trading & Contracting enjoys an enviable reputation thanks to recognition from respected partners and clients. Endeavour Magazine asked Shawkat Ghamrawi, President of the organisation, to explain the company’s continued success and to any exciting upcoming projects. WRITTEN BY AMY BUXTON
AL AHLIA
The portfolio of services offered by Al-Ahlia Integrated
General Trading & Contracting (AAIGTC) is as diverse as the services themselves are complex, and needing a high level of expertise, as Shawkat Ghamrawi explained:
“A
l-Ahlia Integrated General Trading & Contracting Co.
operations could be managed, but by retaining a tight grip on
(Kuwait) is over 40 years old, conducting contracting
location, all the knowledge and professional expertise that has
business in the Electro-Mechanical (H.V.A.C., plumbing &
helped AAIGTC to reach the levels of success it currently enjoys,
fire fighting, electrical and controls) field for major projects (hospitals,
can be put to great use to improve infrastructure in Kuwait, for
commercial centres & buildings, power stations, pumping stations,
the good of the population. That’s not to say that the contracting
water desalination plants, residential & industrial). Our main clients
sector is not competitive, however, AAIGTC has more than risen to
are the Government of Kuwait and private entrepreneurs, for
the challenge of a busy industry:
whom we normally implement specifications and drawings, and sometimes conduct design reviews plus value engineering.”
“Our field of operation, or industry – if you will, is purely contracting and having a certain connection to trading,
To break this down a little further, there are four divisions within
offering related products to our field, as well as conducting
the company, each of which has a specific focus and specialty. The
servicing and maintenance. Our business was buoyant from
Contracting arm looks after the execution of both small and large-
1977 until 1990, with minor annual growth through to2011.
scale engineering projects, while the Commercial section offers
Sudden growth commenced in 2012 and has continued to
specialised sales within a number of areas including, but not limited
now, with an annual growth of between 60-80%; that
to, refrigeration, hydraulics, plumbing and fire fighting equipment.
translates to a jump in revenue of US$6.5 million to over
There are more specialist areas to be added shortly, so this is a
US$45 million in 2017.”
growing division.
That’s a phenomenal jump by anyone’s standards and begs
Offering a more independent service is the B.A.S arm of
the question, what has lead to such growth? Shawkat credits five
AAIGTC, which is focused purely on Building Automation Systems.
pillars of operation that really makes AAIGTC stand out from its
With sales, design and engineering, through to maintenance all
competitors: honesty, commitment, technology, trust and delivery.
carried out by this one division, the relevant expertise needed here
By striving to maintain transparent working practices, exemplar
is evident. Finally, the Maintenance division takes responsibility for
expertise and by using cutting edge technology, the company
any and all electromechanical services and equipment.
really has become a force to be reckoned with, but Shawkat
With such a diverse range of services to oversee, it makes
acknowledges that these endeavours would all be fruitless without
perfect sense that AAIGTC has retained a localised field of
a staffing body to uphold the values that underpin AAIGTC.
operation, servicing Kuwait only. There’s no doubt that international
“True, reliable and sincere staff are key assets in our company,
100 | Endeavour Magazine
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AL AHLIA especially when they are appreciated, rewarded, respected
Sept./Oct. 2018) at an estimated cost of about US$ 8.5 million. In
and trained.”
addition, we have signed several agency agreements for different
Seeing team members as vital assets is a healthy and progressive
associated products of UK, European, U.S.A. and China origin.”
approach and naturally leads to the same respect being extended
On the surface, it could appear as though there is no project
to supply chain partners. By never losing sight of the fact that every
that AAIGTC won’t take on, but there is a steady hand guiding the
person and company, at every stage of the process, has a critical
direction of the organisation, courtesy of Shawkat. He recognises
part to play in the success of any contract or project, a culture of
that the rate of growth up to now has been exceptional and has
mutual appreciation can be encouraged, which allows for easier
no qualms in slowing things down a little in the future, to maintain
growth, development and even, where appropriate, diversity.
quality and delivery expectations;
AAIGTC is proof incarnate of this, judging by those impressive numbers seen earlier. Year on year growth is one thing, but to get a better sense of the levels of success being enjoyed by the team at AAIGTC, we asked Shawkat to divulge a few recent accomplishments that he is particularly proud of: “Signing a contract for M.E.P. works for the Maternity Hospital,
“Our company’s goals and objectives are to maintain the principle of expansion and growth at tolerable and wise pace and acceleration. Perhaps, we may impose a halt on our present jump of growth and to try to limit it to an average of 10-15% annually.” This is not to say that everything is going to grind to an abrupt halt though, as every company in the world needs to keep moving with the times in order to remain current and relevant:
as sub-contractors, at a value of about US$ 170 millions, for
“On the contracting front, we may add a couple of sub-
execution within 42 months. We also recently signed a contract
contractor works for M.E.P. Services. Naturally, we will not be
(as a sub-contractor) for electrical works for the New Air Terminal
closing our doors for additional contracts, but we will be more
(T II) at Kuwait International Airport and are constructing our
selective for volume, commitment, parties, receivables, benefits,
new 3000m2 floor area headquarters (for planned occupancy in
etc. We recommend and implement planning ahead for periods of
102 | Endeavour Magazine
three to five years, and normally, based on governmental planning, our expertise forecast, and, perhaps, the practices and movements of the international arena and market moves.” Concluding the interview, we asked Shawkat if there were any other accomplishments that he’d like to draw attention to: “The exciting news at our end was actually the acquisition of Al-Ahlia interest (Shares) by Fouad Alghanim & Sons Group of Companies (F.A.S.), by which 75% of the total shares are shifted to F.A.S. This acquisition, in 2012, has created drastic up-lift jump in the complete status of Al-Ahlia in moving its status from a third-grade set-up to super first grade level in the M.E.P. field; we are keen to maintain it and try to improve on it.” Already acknowledged as a bright spark in the industry, we have no concerns about AAIGTC fulfilling this brief and more!
Endeavour Magazine | 103
AMAZING WORLD DARVAZA GAS CRATER: THE “DOOR TO HELL
BY ALICE INSTONE-BREWER
It is in the middle of Turkmenistan,
night, with endless black stretching out in
mythos, the remarkable fact is that this giant
alone in the centre of the Karakum Desert,
every direction, only to come across this
fire has been burning non-stop since then –
an endless fire rages. At the bottom of a
rumbling beast: it would be easy to imagine
that’s almost 50 years! What’s more, there’s
70-meter-wide (230 ft) crater, surrounded
you had stumbled upon Hades, or that some
no clear sign of when the fire will go out, or
by the stark expanse of barren rock and
terrible fiend had recently broke through
if it ever will.
sand, flames burn in a ceaseless and hellish-
from another realm.
The area around the Darvaza crater, as
seeming natural wonder. The anomaly is truly
The Darvaza Gas Crater, as it’s officially
its official name suggests, is rich in natural
satanic is appearance, unsurprisingly earning
called, has an origin story dating all the way
gas. Whilst conducting exploration drilling
this fiery pit the nickname the “Door to Hell”.
back to 1971. Whilst this is a modern date
in 1971, Soviet geologists tapped into a
Imagine wandering through the Karakum at
for something that carries such a sense of
cavern filled with this gas: however, the
104 | Endeavour Magazine
its explanation is known, one can’t help but marvel at such a supernatural-seeming event. Even on a scientific level, the sight is awe-inspiring – a reminder that the Earth still has surprises to throw at us. The crater’s official name is a nod to the village that lies near it. Darvaza, or Derweze, homes about 350 inhabitants in a small settlement nestled right in the middle of the Karakum Desert. These residents are mostly Turkmen of the Teke tribe, and are one of the few groups preserving the tribe’s seminomadic lifestyle. The village’s true name, Derweze, derives from the Persian for The Gate – another nod to the area’s infamous attraction. However, the Door to Hell has had a tragic negative impact on this nomadic village. In 2004, partly in response to the growing tourist attention that the burning pit gathers, the President of Turkmenistan ordered that the village be disbanded, because “it was an unpleasant sight for tourists.” Whilst still attempting to live in the floor beneath their rig collapsed, swallowing
days kept going. They turned into weeks,
area, life for this village has been complicated
it as the area fell in on itself. The 70ft crater
into months, and now, 47 years later, they
by the attention the crater has received.
now posed a threat, as the geologists knew
burn on in defiance.
Yet, for Turkmenistan as a country, the
there was a high chance of poisonous gas
Unsurprisingly, as news spread, the
attention from overseas has been profitable
discharge being released into the desert.
tourists came. A good 30 ft deep, the crater
– even if the crater has made it unsafe to drill
Their fast solution was to set fire to it –
glows in a way that seems almost molten,
for oil and gas in this resource-rich desert.
seems risky, right? – hoping that any excess
an aggressive image in the middle of the
It’s perhaps to be expected that something
would quickly burn away. The pit ignited,
most void and barren of landscapes. If you
this devilish would be a duel blessing and a
and the scientists expected the flames to
were to picture a pit to hell, this is exactly
curse. Who knows if it will ever burn out, but
die down after a couple of days – but the
what you would imagine, and even though
until it does, it has to be seen to be believed. Endeavour Magazine | 105
NATIONAL PETROLEUM MARKETING COMPANY WWW.NP.CO.TT // 001 868 625 1364
FUEL FOR THOUGHT Determined to continually improve the petroleum industry, the Trinidad and Tobago National Petroleum Marketing Company is proud to be the most diverse industry set-up in the Caribbean, and is instigating standards that competitors continually struggle to meet. WRITTEN BY AMY BUXTON
NATIONAL PETROLEUM MARKETING COMPANY
Incorporated back in 1972, the Trinidad and Tobago
National Petroleum Marketing Company (NP) was formed by the Government of Trinidad and Tobago, which is also the sole owner. Created using assets bought from what was BP Caribbean Ltd, the incorporation was the beginning of a programme of serious investment and development, and after buying 50% of the inland assets of ESSO and enveloping them into NP in 1973, growth really started to happen.
“I
n 1976, NP became the sole distributor of petroleum fuels
in the knowledge that no standards were being negated in the
in T&T, having acquired the marketing assets of Trinidad
pursuit of commercial success. This leads us neatly onto exactly
and Tobago Oil Company (formerly Shell Trinidad Ltd) and
what NP offers consumers, on a day-to-day basis. Before we look
the following year the local marketing assets of Texaco Trinidad
at the array of products on offer from NP, we need to reiterate
Ltd.”
the fact that it is the most diversified petroleum company within
Can anyone say monopoly? If this was simply a commercial
the English-speaking Caribbean, as it is such a key USP. After all,
operation seeking to swallow up all the interests in the Caribbean,
any company with enough investment could look to sell petroleum
you’d be forgiven for calling out uncompetitive practices, but
fuels, but it takes a deeper level of industry expertise to expand
knowing that the Government owns NP means something
into other arenas:
else altogether. Having a directive to always do more for the
“NP markets petroleum fuels, lubricating oils and greases,
consumers, NP cites that “by land, sea and air, our passion is to get
liquefied petroleum gas, compressed natural gas and automotive
better every day in every way.” NP was and is snapping up as many
specialty products. NP possesses the largest service station
assets as possible, but in a display of respect for the brands being
network in Trinidad and Tobago. From our blending plants come
incorporated, blanket marketing hasn’t been adopted. Instead,
lubricating oils, greases, brake fluid and radiator coolants. We also
under licence, NP continued to produce a range of lubricants after
deliver marine bunkering and aviation re-fuelling at our facilities in
acquiring Shell Trinidad Ltd, right up to the point where the National
both Trinidad and Tobago and in Dominica.”
Petroleum Brand of lubricants was launched in 1981.
NP really is a one-stop consumer satisfaction shop. Not only are
The question is, how have all of these asset acquisitions
the products developed and created to a staggering standard, there
impacted on the range of products available to consumers? “NP
is also an extensive distribution network in place, ready to fulfill the
continues to improve its product rating, keeping abreast of every
needs of local people and businesses. This ties in beautifully with
significant technological advancement in the lubricants industry.
the company mission and vision statements:
Today, thanks to our rigorous pursuit of quality standards such as
“Our mission is to provide a safe and reliable supply of quality
the service classification of American Petroleum Institute (API), the
petroleum products to customers in domestic and regional markets.
Trinidad and Tobago and Caribbean markets are among the most
Our vision is to be the preferred petroleum marketing company,
advanced regions of the world.”
leading in customer service, innovation, efficiency and profitability;
So, monopoly of the market was never the driving force; it was a case of learning, improving and being able to diversify, safe 108 | Endeavour Magazine
emerging from domestic leader to competitive regional player.” Note the continual lack of global aspirations here. This is a
NATIONAL PETROLEUM MARKETING COMPANY local operation, run with the region, residents and quality in mind.
Programme, the goal of which is to provide an avenue where the
Yes, if an opportunity to diversify into more international interests
youth in the Port of Spain area could focus on music literacy and
presented itself, NP would be ready and able to rise to the challenge,
personal development. We have been able to achieve these goals
but there is no sense that the team is looking past the people that
through the introduction of Level 1 music exams and formal life
have made the company what it is today. It feels like a very natural
skills training by an external facilitator for these students.”
and symbiotic arrangement; people need petroleum products, NP
Investing in the community is a great way to ensure continued
provides them, and everyone enjoys the relationship - but there’s
economic stability for the whole region, and given the fact that the
more to NP than simple supply and demand.
future looks exciting for NP, it’s a savvy move.
Even the most simplistic of operations can identify what
With solid industry expertise and product understanding
consumers want and need, but it takes a more innovative company
forming the foundation of the whole company, coupled with
to look for ways to meet commercial demand, whilst never
the extensive distribution channels in place, NP will certainly
compromising on the original core values. After all, trust, integrity
never be forced to search for profitable opportunities. Yes, new
and passion will never go out of style and can be the values that set
developments will always be investigated and assessed in terms
companies apart, making the difference between a disappointment
of commercial viability, but never to the detriment of the core
or a successful tender. Something else that certainly helps NP
activities that have helped to raise NP to the industry-leading
to stand out from competitors is the commitment to social
position that it now enjoys.
responsibility:
The Caribbean will always need fuel and petroleum products,
“Over the years, NP has had an on-going commitment to the
and NP will be ready and waiting to serve, having done so for over
development of the people and culture of this country. However,
40 years already. We think we’ll keep a watchful eye on NP, as we
among the many endeavours in which the company has been
have the feeling that some new innovations are just around the
involved, we are particularly proud of the NP Music Literacy
corner.
110 | Endeavour Magazine
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Endeavour Magazine | 111
WATER AUTHORITY - CAYMAN ISLANDS WWW.WATERAUTHORITY.KY // 001 345 949 2837
OVERFLOWING SUCCESS 35 years ago, the Water Authority Cayman was founded. Offering meaningful connections with consumers through their consistent and reliable, not to mention affordable, water supply has set this Water Authority apart from other utility providers for many years. We spoke with company director, Dr Gelia Frederick-van Genderen. WRITTEN BY AMY BUXTON
WATER AUTHORITY - CAYMAN ISLANDS
Given the intrinsic importance of maintaining a reliable
supply of what the Water Authority – Cayman (WAC) refers to as “the world’s most popular drink”, it wouldn’t be at all surprising if the most senior executives of the organisation were too busy with more pressing matters to speak with us.
T
hat is not the case with WAC, however, as Dr Gelia Frederickvan Genderen, Director of the company, was more than happy to offer an insight into what happens day to day and why.
Moreover, she was able to explain just how central to the everyday operations consumer satisfaction and community development are, thanks to her many years with the authority: “I initially started my career as an Environmental Health Technologist with the Department of Environmental Health here in the Cayman Islands. I was there from 1983 until 1988, when I joined the Water Authority as an Operations Scientist. In 1994 I was appointed Deputy Director and then, six years later, promoted to the position of Director. I was honoured to be promoted to Director of the Water Authority in October 2000, after being with the organisation since 1988.” With a fundamental understanding of the science involved and a deep-seated dedication to the Authority already in place, Gelia was a natural choice for the role of Director and has brought a uniquely inclusive style of leadership into play, which has had farreaching benefits: “Two of the most consistent things you will hear from Water Authority staff is that they find their jobs meaningful and their colleagues are like family. When the Authority first started back in 1983, it was a much smaller organisation than it is now, but even though we have gone from a team of half a dozen to one of 133 employees, we still maintain that atmosphere. I have been a part
114 | Endeavour Magazine
WATER AUTHORITY - CAYMAN ISLANDS of this organisation’s growth for 30 years, so I know first-hand
factor. with in excess of 60% of the WAC workforce having been
how important it is to be able to recognise the strengths of each
in place for 10 years or more, there is certainly no underestimating
individual and develop a well-rounded team of senior managers
how respected and valued they are:
and supervisors who are, in turn, able to motivate their staff to the betterment of the entire organisation.”
“We have 133 staff and, during the last fiscal period alone, we spent approximately US$187,804 on staff training. Within
Any organisation that sits at the very epicentre of a community
any industry, but particularly in the essential service industries,
and provides a vital service, just as WAC does, needs to have a
succession planning is imperative. That’s why staff development
leader at the helm who not only recognises the critical nature of the
and training is so important to us here at the Authority. In addition,
work being done, but also the value of the staff that are physically
we do our best to attract young Caymanians to the industry
doing it. Gelia is one such leader. She understands that the
through a CI$30,000 Annual Scholarship and our popular Work
continued success of the Authority is measurable in terms of the
Experience Programme, through which we take on summer interns.
sustained wellbeing of the local population and the development
In fact, since 2006/7, the Authority has invested CI$445,000
of talented team members. Moreover, she seeks to never lose
(approximately US$542,682) in 11 scholarship recipients. We also
sight of the mission and values that underpin the Authority
recently announced the launch of a new scholarship that includes a
as a whole:
monthly stipend for Caymanians to attend the local higher learning
“Our mission here at the Authority is four-fold: 1) to provide
institute the University College of the Cayman Islands.”
the Cayman Islands with pure, wholesome potable water; 2) to
Offering a vital product and having keen staff in place would be
protect groundwater resources; 3) to provide sewerage services;
enough for some organisations, but not WAC, which looks to forge
and 4) to do all of these things in a financially sustainable manner.
beneficial and strong relationships within its supply chain, for the
The mission guides everything we do, from maintaining our lab’s
wider benefit of the Cayman Islands as a whole. Looking to always
international accreditation to achieving unqualified financial audits.
support other local companies, wherever possible, there is a real
We know our values and we stick to them.”
sense of community within the supply chain, as Gelia explained:
Given that WAC currently services over 18,500 accounts, spread out over Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac, a clear focus on the founding principles of the Authority is vital, especially when expansion is on the cards. With plans to reach out to consumers on Little Cayman, the smallest of the islands, an objective understanding of the, forgive the overtly appropriate wording here, buoyancy of the sector is essential. Providing public water services, sewerage facilities and groundwater protection, all together, is no small feat and naturally, the stability of the wider industry and region will have a role to play. “A great deal of development is occurring in the Cayman Islands at the moment and forward-planning is more important than ever to ensure that the Authority’s operations can keep pace. That being said, this is nothing new to us here at the Authority. Since the Cayman Islands started experiencing its development and population boom in the late 1960’s, there has been very little slowing down. Since the Authority began we have always worked with an eye on the future, to ensure our infrastructure can sustain the rate of socio-economic growth that the Cayman Islands has come to experience as routine.” Gelia is, perhaps, being a little modest here, as there is a distinct adaptability to the Authority as a whole, with an openminded approach to new technologies, innovations and supplier partnerships. Nothing here is reactive, but everything is proactive in a bid to never be forced to play catch-up with consumers’ expectations or competitors. It’s important to remember that while fresh technology is exciting and needs to be embraced, the strongest organisations place a much higher value on the human 116 | Endeavour Magazine
“Given our status as a statutory authority here in the Cayman Islands, our relationship with the Cayman Islands Government is paramount to our continued success as an organisation. However, as public servants, our primary loyalty will always be to the Caymanian people whom we serve. Our customers and our community will always come first. Of course, we have many strategic business partners – vendors, suppliers, contractors, etc. – whose support is
For over 25 years, Vermeer Carribbean has been
essential to our daily operations and we are very grateful for their
serving the Caribbean region with the highest
continued partnership.” One particularly noteworthy partner is Florida Aquastore; a specialist supplier of treatment services, systems and tanks that is
quality equipment, parts, service, and solutions for the underground construction, wood waste
as dedicated to giving back to local communities as the WAC itself.
recycling, landscaping and tree care industries.
It’s said that you can tell a lot about a person by looking at who
Whether you’re looking for new or used equipment,
they are friends with and the same goes for business relationships.
connect with us to learn how Vermeer machines
The WAC and Florida Aquastore are so similar in both outlook and commitment to consumers that working together makes perfect
can help you get the job done.
sense and benefits everybody, a critical element given the number
For more information, contact Manny Ayala at
of developments being embraced over at the WAC:
561-733-3901 or
“The Authority is currently working with Florida Aquastore to construct a new factory-coated bolted steel water storage tank at
mannyayala@VermeerSoutheast.com
our Red Gate Water Works facility. Once completed, this tank will add another 2 million US gallons (7,570 m3) to our current storage
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Endeavour Magazine | 117
WATER AUTHORITY - CAYMAN ISLANDS capacity of 14.2 million US gallons. In addition, the Authority has
the years, of course, we have also experienced inconceivable
contracted Wharton-Smith, Inc. to install approximately 800 linear
challenges – chief among them the devastation of Hurricane Ivan
feet of HDPE pipe (6” nominal diameter) and ancillary works as part
in 2004. As an essential service provider in the Caribbean, you are
of the West Bay Beach Sewerage System. This project is currently
constantly striving to ensure your operations are resilient and your
on-going, and we expect completion on or before 20 May, 2018.”
staff are prepared for the worst but the impact of that storm was
Looking to also bring more freshwater supplies to Little Cayman,
bigger than any of us could have anticipated. Hurricane Ivan hit the
while adapting existing wastewater and water infrastructure, in line
Cayman Islands square on as a Category 5 storm and the damage
with new expansion projects on Grand Cayman, the future looks
was truly catastrophic. In the aftermath of that terrible storm, if
set to be very busy for the WAC, but Gelia is not worried; she is
you had asked us if we thought the Authority or even the country
excited:
would be able to come back from that destruction, I doubt many
“This is a very exciting year for the Water Authority because it
of us would have been very optimistic. But we did. We came back
represents the 35th Anniversary of the Authority’s establishment in
stronger than ever both as a community and as a company. Now,
1983. Over the last 35 years, the Authority has experienced huge
as we prepare to go into yet another Atlantic hurricane season, the
growth in terms of its daily operations, staffing requirements and
lessons learned from that catastrophic storm are once again at the
customer base. Even for someone who has been with the Authority
front of our minds.”
for 30 years, it can be hard to explain the pace of development that
If we’ve ever encountered an organisation that seems
the organisation has experienced. The fact that what started out as
intrinsically able to weather a storm of any magnitude, it’s most
a small government department working out of a converted house
certainly WAC and we’ll be keeping a close eye on future projects
is now a multimillion-dollar business with five reverse osmosis
that look set to prove that point beyond any doubt.
plants is staggering.” She went on to conclude, “The projects we are embarking on now would have been absolutely inconceivable in 1983. Over
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Endeavour Magazine | 119
INDOGUNA SINGAPORE WWW.INDOGUNA.COM // 65 6755 0330
QUALITY TASTE For Helene Raudaschl, Managing Director of Singapore’s Indoguna, food is a passion. It is her hobby as well as her business; combining this genuine enthusiasm with a savvy business sense, she has seen the company grow in variety whilst always maintaining impeccable standards that only other foodlovers would hold their products to. The company is dedicated to their products - a dedication that fellow gourmands can trust. WRITTEN BY ALICE INSTONE-BREWER
INDOGUNA SINGAPORE
“We import, evaluate the product, and then we
distribute and market it. We’re based in Singapore, and we don’t have any natural resources in this country,” explains Helene Raudaschl, Indoguna’s Managing Director. “Everything has to be imported.”
W
ith this sort of challenge before them, Indoguna had a stack
also provide the center of the plate. So, the variety is very extensive
of challenges ahead of them, but with them, a ripe market
We bring in products from around the world.”
with a serious demand, and gap where that demand was
What prompted this expansion from the company’s specialist
not being filled. “When we started in 1993, our concentration and
operations in the meat market, to become the wide-reaching
focus was in high quality meats – particularly chill and fresh. The
provider they are today? In part, it was their confidence in their
marketplace at that time was all frozen and was very commodity
abilities, and the ambition to secure themselves an ever-bigger
driven. There was a need at that time for hotels and restaurants
position in the industry. However, it was also a gutsy and timely
who wanted fresh, smaller quantity, high quality products.”
response to a period of crisis. “We ran into some problems with
Rising to this need, Indoguna began importing fresh meats,
diseases during the European mad cow crisis, and suddenly the
soon gathering a loyal pipeline of restaurants, hotels and other
government shut down a lot of importation products.” With a
kitchens that came to rely on their fresh, top standard imports. For
portion of their imports barred, and anxiety spreading regarding
the first five years, the company stuck purely to the meat business,
red meat, Indoguna took a risk and expanded their line to stave
but over their 25 years they have diversified into many categories,
off a loss of business. “It was seafood first. We identified seafood
including seafood, dairy and bakery products. Now, they are a go-
in chill, in frozen and in live format. Once again, we sourced those
to for clients searching for that mark of originality and excellence
products from everywhere, supplying our clients who were buying
in their menus. “Basically, we could supply 80% of a menu in most
our meat items, to explore with them the possibility of supplying
restaurants.” Whilst their focus is not in canned goods or base
them seafood.”
vegetables products, Indoguna is committed to provide all of the
Diversifying was not without its challenges. Despite the need
harder-to-source elements that make a meal distinctive. “In general,
for meat alternatives in the market, convincing customers to
we aim to almost become a one-stop shop for most clients, and to
explore a new product can take time, and the logistical sides of the
122 | Endeavour Magazine
Thomas Foods International Supreme Lamb and Angus Pure Grass Fed Beef available exclusively through Indoguna.
INDOGUNA SINGAPORE product were occasionally more complex than meat – particularly
had weather changes, short supply; we’re dealing with natural
the live seafood! “When we started the live seafood, we didn’t
things, so sometimes we don’t have catches, or a harvest might not
have a strong customer base for the product yet, and it’s highly
be as good.” Despite these variables, it is essential that Indoguna
perishable. Once we found a constant stream of customers, we
deliver consistency to their clients. “In our business, quality has to
were able to stabalise mortality, write-offs and that kind of thing.”
be the first consideration of any product that we bring in. It’s highly
It wasn’t a simple product to take on under any circumstances,
competitive in the restaurants, and our customers need to know
but especially not when the company did not yet have an existing
that the raw materials they’re getting have consistency, so they
seafood pipeline. However, Helene feels the gamble is what set
provide the same consistency to their own customers.”
them apart, and set a president for Indoguna’s operations in the
This competition between restaurants naturally creates
years to come. “I think one of the things that made us a success
competition in Indoguna’s part of the market. “There’s no doubt
was that we dare to go into areas that are risky. At that time,
about it. However, it’s a small market too, so we co-exist in a friendly
most people in Singapore were gearing for frozen, because there’s
manner.” Whilst competing companies are amicable, however,
less risk. It was the ‘90s, so live seafood was not very common in
consumer trends can be unforgiving. “It’s a very sophisticated
Singapore. We were probably the first ones to bring in live oysters,
market, and it is getting increasingly difficult to stay fresh, so that
live muscles and those kinds of products.”
customers don’t get bored with your product line. We constantly
25 years into business, Indoguna’s pipelines are secure, with longstanding relationships and a reputation for excellence. However,
have to work double hard to find products and concepts that will excite the menus.”
given the nature of the stock they deal in, business is never without
This calls for non-stop innovation, and isn’t something Indoguna
its complications. “In every category we started, there were always
was going to leave to fate. Instead, they took matters into their
challenges – even today, we still have challenging moments. We’ve
own hands, investing in their own manufacturing facility from
DANONE #LOGO
124 | Endeavour Magazine
FRENCH E D R
UO
PU
-
which they enhance their goods and develop a range of in-house
is one of an impressive lineup of awards, including Helene being
brands. These include Carne Meats, their butchery and charcuterie
surprised by receiving the EY Entrepreneurs of the Year award
range; Ocean Gems, their seafood range; and Masterpiece, their
2016. “These awards show that we’re recognized as a serious
range of dim sum and ready to use products for meal preparation.
business. In terms of motivation and moral, it’s a significant thing
“It is a lot of butchery products, value-added meat, poultry, seafood
for our team.”
products, and we produce a whole range of chocolatery products,
Around 65% of Indoguna’s business is in restaurants and
high-end sausages, air-dried items – I mean, we’re constantly
hotels, but it doesn’t stop there. 12% of their business goes into
continuing to innovate the product lines and what we are sourcing.
supplying supermarkets, and the remaining 23% is split between
What was doing well five years ago might not be doing well today
airline caterers, clubs, traders, wholesalers and independent
because trends change.”
households. As well as this blend of commercial and domestic
Despite the work in sourcing, quality checking and even putting
consumers, despite their belief that nothing but the best is good
their own unique stamp on their products, the behind-the-scenes
enough, the company successfully caters to a full range of budgets.
nature of Indoguna’s work means their innovation and hard work
“I wouldn’t say we operate only in the luxury market. We offer the
can often go unnoticed. “More often than not in our business, we’re
best value for money in terms of products across all classes. So, for
very much behind the scene. It’s the chefs that get the recognition,
example, if we have a product for the economy class market, we
it’s the restaurants that get the recognition – the guys who deliver
pride ourselves on providing the best products for that economy
the things in the back door don’t really get recognized.” However,
class sector.”
someone has clearly taken notice – earlier this year, Indoguna were
The domestic household market is currently a small portion
awarded The Hall of Fame for Gourmet Distributor of the Year in
of Indoguna’s business, but as we have seen, the company
World Gourmet Summit: Award of Excellence 2017. That mouthful
are always pushing themselves and reaching out to the next
Carne Meats by Indoguna Endeavour Magazine | 125
INDOGUNA SINGAPORE frontier.
Household market. Greengrocer is an online delivery
for households, run by ourselves. Currently under development
on our drawing board, but we’re definitely looking to the Muslim market in Singapore, and into new facilities to cater to them.”
as part of a push to grow their household market. They access
With Helene’s passion never faltering, the avenues ahead
this customer base through Greengrocer.com.sg, an online order
are sure to be just some of the innovations we can expect from
delivery service that the company owns and runs. In a bid to expand
Indoguna in the coming years. Unwilling to release their hold in a
this side of the business, they are currently investing in developing
competitive market, they know that they must move ever forwards
this online service. “We’re expanding our lines and services, and
to keep up with the tide of trend and demand. With the whole
developing our digital platform to make delivery much easier to the
world to import from and only their ingenuity as a limit, our mouths
households. I think the first improvement will be logistics – how
are watering at the possibilities.
we can shorten the timeframe of delivery for customer experience. Currently, 95% of our logistics is from in-house, and then 5% of our requirements are sourced from outside.” Pushing the home front is just one of Indoguna’s many development plans. They are currently looking at Just Meat, a store front butcher’s shop that the company owns in Hong Kong, with a view to turning the one-off store into a Hong Kong based chain. They are also turning their attention to potential customer groups that they have previously been unable to provide for. “The company is definitely planning on growing. For example, we’re looking at doing Halaal business. I can’t share too much, because it’s still
The Indoguna Team
126 | Endeavour Magazine
Ocean Gems by Indoguna
NOMAD ADVENTURE AFRICA TOURS WWW.NOMADTOURS.CO.ZA // 0027 21 426 5445
THE CALL OF THE WILD Overwhelmingly vast and breathtakingly beautiful, Africa has long enchanted visitors and tourists. The region is a sublime melting pot of culture and history, but the biggest draw for tourists remains the safari tours that show off the country’s world-famous wildlife in all its glory. WRITTEN BY DJAMIL BENMEHIDI
NOMAD ADVENTURE AFRICA TOURS Nomad Adventure Tours, one of the oldest and best-
regarded safari tour operators in the Southern and East African region, is a name that may be familiar to Endeavour readers. Through its knack for innovation and ability to bend with the winds of change, Nomad has shown thousands of satisfied customers all that is best about this remarkable continent for 20 years. We turned out attention to the company once again to investigate their exciting new partnership with Toyota, which is set to see the company become the envy of the sector.
I
n a world where the hand of humanity can be seen and felt at
and winding journey across up to 14 countries to see some of the
every turn, magnificent African landscapes like that of Serengeti
most spectacular sights they will ever gaze upon. Each year, the
National Park and the Okavango Delta stand as bastions of the
Nomad team travels an average of two million kilometres over more
natural world. Certainly, they are valuable and accessible reminders
than 1000 tours a year, offering packages that take their customers
that life doesn’t begin and end in the sprawling cities and urban
across the length and breadth of sub-Saharan Africa.
centres where so many of us spend our lives.
From serene journeys across the landscape of the ‘Garden
For a tourist who has never seen the early-morning sun rise
Route’ in South Africa to epic treks into the mountains of Rwanda
over the horizon of the Maasai Mara or the sight of giant herds of
or Uganda, homes of the critically endangered Mountain Gorilla,
wildebeest, thousands-strong, stretching almost as far as the eye
Nomad’s varied and expansive itinerary options mean that there
can see, the experience of leaving the hustle and bustle of urban
is something for everybody, whatever their tastes and whatever
life behind to follow the call of safari can see them return home a
their budget. As of this year, this expansive array now includes the
different person.
option to fly down to the South African coastline and take to the
This ability to inspire such change is, in Alex Rutherford’s view, part of what makes the rigours of running one of Africa’s leading safari tour operators worth it: “If you’re running safari tours for 15,000-20,000 vs. 500 people that are paying ten times more, I’ve found that the wealthy guys
waters. “Most people don’t know this, but South Africa is one of the diving hotspots of the world, specifically for apex predators – the sharks, the whales, the dolphins and the seals that are abundant in South African waters.
tend to be a little jaded with the majesty of the world. We’re talking
“This year we’ve launched the ‘Big 5 & Dive’, on a scheduled tour
about people who can afford to travel anywhere, and who’ve seen
basis. Customers taking this combined package see it all: starting
and done most of it.
at the Krueger National Park, they go game driving and all of that
I’m more into the guys who’ve never been into the wilderness,
before flying down to the coast and diving into South Africa’s
for example, who come from South Korea and who’ve never been
pristine waters. This tour package is unique – there’s nobody else
out of the city and end up in the middle of the Namib Desert. They
doing it like we’re doing it. It’s a new package, so it’ll take a bit of
start crying because they’ve never been alone or exposed to that
time to bed in, like all new products, but it’s a valuable addition to
level of openness and silence – they go home changed completely.”
our portfolio of tours.”
Since he first established Nomad Adventure Tours in 1997, Alex
It is this ability to meet the needs of an incredibly broad clientele
has utilised his passion for adventure and love of Africa to show
and deliver customised tour options that has acted as one of the
travellers what makes this land unique, and to take them on a long
key drivers of Nomad Tours’ success over the past two decades.
130 | Endeavour Magazine
NOMAD ADVENTURE AFRICA TOURS Travellers who choose to see the sights of Africa with Nomad Tours
maintaining a healthy group dynamic. It is a delicate mix, and the
come in all shapes and sizes, so to speak; in any one tour, a group
tour guide must take control of everything with professionalism,
can be made of people aged from 18 to 80, be any of a dozen
decorum, and a friendly and engaging manner.
different nationalities, and hail from all walks of life.
For this reason, Alex has been careful to choose tour guides
“We really accommodate a huge and varied cross-section of the
based on their temperament and capacity for lateral thought, as
market. The campers are often younger, they’re on a budget and
opposed to qualifications – people can be taught to drive and
they’re not afraid to rough it a little. The mid-range guys tend to be
cook, but good character is something that people come with. This
a little older and prefer a little more in the way of creature comforts,
approach to recruitment extends to the wider Nomad Tours team,
such as a roof to sleep under, but are looking for something that
as Alex was keen to highlight, and judging by the company’s track-
isn’t overly expensive. Then there’s the older, wealthier clientele
record of success, it is an approach that has been vindicated:
who don’t want to camp anymore and expect a degree of comfort.”
“Pound-for-pound, my team, the office team, the people who
Catering to clients’ needs in this regard is essential, and so too
train and run the ops team are top-drawer people – exceptionally
is ensuring that Nomad’s team delivers a superior experience that
good staff. The hours can be long and workloads can be huge, but
will see customers fall in love with Africa and catch the safari bug
that’s the nature of tourism. It can be a high-stress environment.
to the extent that they come back again. Much of this responsibility
If you have the right people, you get staff retention, and then you
falls onto the shoulders of the company’s tour guides – individuals
have the meat and bones of your company in place.”
who, in Alex’s words, are “the priest, the doctor, the lawyer, the
Innovation has played an integral part in Nomad Tour’s
friend, and the commander” of each and every safari tour. On a
continued presence at the front of the industry. Whether the
multi-country tour, there are a thousand different variables to
company is mapping out the most exciting, visually striking safari
consider and a thousand different dilemmas and challenges that
tour routes or designing overland-diving hybrid tour packages,
could be faced, relating to the climate, the food, the vehicles, and
Nomad Tours has achieved longevity and a formidable reputation
132 | Endeavour Magazine
amongst its peers because of its ability to stay ahead of the curve.
we’ve been busy designing the vehicles and they will look a million
Indeed, the most exciting development to emerge from Nomad
dollars –something that everybody will look at and think “Wow, I
Tours since we caught up with the company last year surrounds an
want one!”
ambitious partnership with Toyota that is on the cusp of coming to
This new concept of 4x4 luxury overland travel will allow
fruition – one which will further cement the company’s status as an
Nomad Tours to reach out into a more luxury market, centred
industry trendsetter.
around fewer people and more comfort. The technical innovations
“As of January next year, we’ll be launching five Toyota
of the new Toyota Highnote, including seats that will be able to
Highnote 4x4 custom-built trucks that will be the first of their
swing from forward-facing to side-facing (perfect for game driving,
kind in the tourism industry worldwide. The vehicles we’re building
where customers will want to have their own private window that
are exceptional – they will provide true 5-star travelling for our
faces outwards), are as-of-yet unheard of in the industry, and will
customers. They have individual aircon, onboard toilets, individual
help to make the customer experience of seeing Africa that little bit
electronic safes, reclining leather seats – endless luxury for a safari
more special.
tour. They are top, top of the range.
Even for a company so accustomed to change and excitement,
“They will be a more expensive option for our customers, but
these are heady times for the company. As Alex himself admitted,
not exorbitantly so – we’ve capped the number of vehicles we’ll
Nomad Tours has reached the zenith of what can be achieved
be acquiring at 12 because they cost a small fortune. They will be
through what it was doing before. However, through his ability
for people who want a bit more space and a bit more privacy –
to adapt to a changing marketplace, not to mention an ever more
generally people who are a little bit older, and perhaps not that
demanding clientele, new horizons have opened up for man and
keen on the camping thing anymore. It’s a new product, and it
company – a testament, certainly, to what can be achieved when
stands alone against what’s currently in the market. I think from a
you go about business with great passion and love for what
Toyota perspective it’s going to be absolutely phenomenal, because
you do.
Awake to the birdcalls of the Kalahari and prepare yourself for a day in the bushveld.
(267) 721 207 91 / 75121955 ghanzitrailblazers@gmail.com www.ghanzitrailblazers.co.bw Endeavour Magazine | 133
MM INTERGRATED STEEL MILLS WWW.MOTISUNGROUP.COM // 00255 22 2139158
STEELING THE SHOW In a year that began with immense challenges for the African steel industry, MM Integrated Steel Uganda remains one of the fastest expanding manufacturers of cold rolling sheets, galvanized roofing sheets and structural steel products in the country, as well as being one of the overall market leaders. With a production capacity of approximately 50,000 tons per year, a strong multinational presence and new ‘Aluzinc’ coating capabilities developing, it looks like whatever gauntlet the industry might throw MM in 2018 will be met with similarly resounding success - but how has the company reached these distinguished heights? WRITTEN BY WILL GIRLING
MM INTERGRATED STEEL MILLS
With its origins dating to approximately 18th BC in what
is now modern-day Turkey, steel has been a mainstay of civilisation for practically all recorded history. Forged by smelting mined iron ore in blast furnaces - thus removing its impurities – and adding carbon to form an alloy, the result is a high-tensile metal that is stronger, lighter and less prone to corrosion than its base iron.
F
rom this basic recipe, many historical variants have been
which possessed a notable industrial heritage that began to wane
developed: Wootz steel, Crucible steel, and Damascus steel
in the late 20th Century, an economic upswing has struck the
– the latter of which we still cannot produce using modern
region since the 2000’s. With $600 million invested over a period
techniques. Just as diverse are the myriad applications that steel
of five years from 2013, MM Steel Uganda certainly appears to be
has been utilized for: construction, transportation, agriculture,
at the epicentre of that change.
weaponry, tools and machinery, to name just a few. Now, in the
The impact of the Ugandan mill can’t just be measured through
post-industrial era, steel remains an important, low-cost material
finances, however; it provides employment for over 1,800 people,
that is in high demand for consumers all around the world; it would
all sourced from local areas and trained to stand amongst the best
seem that steel has been our loyal companion for millennia, is a
in the field. With inevitable expansion for the MM Steel brand,
relationship that will continue to evolve and flourish with us.
Jinja looks set for making a remarkable come-back to Africa’s
Stepping into this rich tradition is MM Integrated Steel Mills
manufacturing spotlight. To generate its output, the Ugandan
Ltd, a subsidiary of the Motisun Group. The first MM steel mill in
factory is a colossal operation: it consumes up to five megawatts
Tanzania was established by Motisun in 1995, with a production
of electricity at a rate of Shs210 million per month, which must be
capacity of 35,000 tons per year. The seed that was planted in
supplied by a direct link to the national grid. For water, at the time
Tanzania didn’t take long to go forth and multiply; at the time of
of the mill’s opening, its three-kilometre line to the National Water
writing, there are now four MM steel mills in Tanzania, Zambia,
and Sewerage Corporation was non-existent, so MMI connected it
Uganda and Mozambique, the newest of which opened in 2014.
themselves. Upon touring the Ugandan mill, Amerlia Kyambade –
With this growth, the company estimates an aggregate production
Minister for Trade – congratulated the management staff for their
capacity of 350,000 tons per annum and is proud to now be
much-needed efforts and “contribution towards the economic
considered “a respected brand [that] is the preferred choice within
development of our country”, pledging that her department would
the building and construction industry”. Upon opening in 2013,
push through further legislation to “help local industries grow”.
MM Integrated Steel Uganda represented the first of its kind in
The services provided by the factory include cold rolling mills,
the country: a steel manufacturer that could produce all its own
galvanising lines, colour coating lines and tube mills, a portfolio of
materials, as opposed to relying on imports. Based in Jinja, a town
capabilities that is certain to lengthen across their four established
136 | Endeavour Magazine
MM INTERGRATED STEEL MILLS mills going forward. ‘Cold rolling’ is a method by which a metal sheet
is where innovation and new industry technology play their parts,
– in this case steel – is passed through a set of rollers at room-
and MM Steel have shown no hesitation in keeping their company
temperature, wherein it is squeezed and compressed, with the level
fully on-trend. Among the newest developments has been the
of strain determining the end product’s properties and hardness.
introduction of ‘Aluzinc’ coating capabilities at the Tanzania mill.
Allowing for greater dimensional accuracy in the manufacturing
Consisting of cold-rolled steel that is subsequently galvanised with
process, and thus also increasing its resistance to surface damage,
coating consisting of aluminium (58%), zinc (43.4%) and a dash
cold-rolling has the added benefit of increasing the strength of
of silicon (1.6%), Aluzinc provides a far greater defence against
steel up to 20%. In terms of manufacturing, it doesn’t stop there:
corrosion than traditional galvanisation methods. Amazingly, this
the aforementioned tube mill uses state-of-the-art machinery that
superior protection doesn’t compromise on the steel’s acceptance
rounds steel sheets into high-quality tubes. Once the metal has
of paint coatings & finishes, weld acceptance or forming ability.
been forged and shaped, the factory can offer additional services
This results in a product that has a broad variety of domestic and
for the new product, such as ‘galvanising’, wherein a protective
industrial purposes wherever damp atmospheric conditions are
coating of zinc is added to the steel for further protection from
the enemy. With these capabilities almost certain to spread to
corrosion. In addition to this facility, MM Steel is also able to apply
the other three factories, and further innovations such as ‘duplex
a range of cosmetic (as well as protective) coatings to their metal
steel’ gaining traction worldwide, it is safe to say that MM Steel’s
as per the desired specification. Sold in both domestic and export
development will closely parallel the steel industry’s.
markets under the brand-name ‘KIBOKO’ for a competitive price,
Although 2017 was beset by great challenges for the steel
MM Steel’s products maintain an international standard, which in
industry in Africa - most notably in terms of expansion and export
turn maintains the company’s standing as a market leader.
growth - as the months progressed it became easier to feel
However, with the brand swiftly developing into a notable multi-
optimistic. With positive gains in supply and demand steadily rising
national presence, MM Steel need to maintain their reputation. This
across the board, MM Steel Uganda’s attitude of choosing to invest
138 | Endeavour Magazine
in the future is both commendable and wise. The company should serve as an example to others that; when the going gets tough, you must not only maintain your standards but try to surpass them. In today’s market, it is no longer good enough to simply have industry-leading products and an established name; consumers want to see a clear vision and a strong ethical message - something the Motisun Group are very conscientious of. “MMI Steel,” the company says, “is dedicated to conducting business in a professional and ethical manner.” They are achieving this not only by providing a superior product at a fair price, but also through ecological measures such as improving and expanding their acid regeneration plant capacities. With sights set to firmly on establishing a better tomorrow, not just for Uganda but the entire industry, MM Integrated Steel Mills Ltd is sure to continue developing into a company that is as diverse as steel itself.
Kubach & Sambrook (Metals) Ltd
0208 951 6500, +44 208 951 6500 info@kubach.co.uk
It has been a pleasure and source of satisfaction to have a customer like MMI
Endeavour Magazine | 139
NATIONAL ENERGY WWW.NATIONALENERGY.TT // 001 868 636 8471
POWERING UP A wholly-owned subsidiary of the National Gas Company of Trinidad and Tobago, National Energy is committed to supporting the infrastructure and development of the nation’s gas-based energy industry and monetising the country’s extensive natural gas resources to the benefit of this industrial hub. WRITTEN BY ALICE INSTONE-BREWER
NATIONAL ENERGY
As we all know, Trinidad & Tobago is an oil & gas reliant
industrial hub with key ports in LNG shipping. In fact, as the third richest country in the Americas by GDP (Purchasing Power Parity) after the United States and Canada, Trinidad and Tobago moved up six places in The World Economic Forum Global Competitiveness Report in 2017. As such, the management of the islands’ energy is a demanding task, as is the management and utilisation of their hydrocarbon resources.
S
ince we last spoke with National Energy (then the National
In its primary role as overseer to the nation’s gas-based
Energy Corporation or NEC), the company has been engaging
industrial infrastructure, National Energy is responsible for the
in all enterprises within the hydrocarbon-based and energy-
development and identification of new industrial estates, as well
intensive industries, with a view to further promoting, developing
as the deep-water ports that service them, with such projects
and
providing a crucial contribution to the national economy through
facilitating
downstream
energy-based
industries
and
businesses on the islands.
the creation of strategic national assets in the marine, energy
National Energy was incorporated in 1979 as National Energy
and infrastructure sectors. This covers work in procurement,
Corporation of Trinidad and Tobago to continue the work first
design, project implementation and supervision of publicly funded
started by the Coordinating Task Force in monetising the country’s
projects, and involves working closely with and going between the
natural gas resources, as well as developing and managing industrial
Government, local and international investors, consultants and
and marine infrastructure. National Energy was also involved in the
contractors.
construction and operation of the early petrochemical plants and
On top of this, the NEC is also responsible for the maintenance
the port and marine infrastructure which service all plants at the
and management of Trinidad and Tobago’s two existing industrial
Point Lisas Industrial Estate.
estates and port facilities, which are essential in servicing the
Today National Energy (nee National Energy Corporation) is well positioned as the force that will drive the expansion of the energy
nation’s energy and industrial sectors and overseeing the import and export requirements of petrochemical and metal plants.
sector into the future. The company is taking a proactive approach
Although NEC continues to focus on the above areas, its
to promoting Trinidad and Tobago’s energy brand regionally and
current mandate also includes identifying and developing new
internationally, including the company’s recent re-naming and
industrial estates and deep-water ports, as well as the development
re-branding, as well as continuing to execute the development
and management of the existing La Brea and Union Industrial
of energy projects and infrastructure under the guidance of the
Estates. However, whilst the company is most focused on in-region
Ministry of Energy and Energy Affairs.
projects, it is also turning its eye overseas, investigating ways to
142 | Endeavour Magazine
ship its knowledge and expertise to the energy sections in Guyana
Formaldehyde cluster project at Union Industrial Estate. This
and Suriname.
project aims to utilise locally produced melamine and methanol to
Similar to this overseas outreach, NEC also hosts supplier
create higher valued products, such as Oriented Strand Board and
forums that seek to promote and introduce suppliers from the
Veneer Products. A first for Trinidad and Tobago, the project also
oil and gas industries, and well as raising awareness about their
seeks to bridge the gap between the energy and manufacturing
internal processes. At these forums, suppliers are able to network
sectors of the economy.
and meet each other, as well as forming stronger bonds with
NEC currently employ around 130 people, not including their
NEC’s staff themselves. This somewhat unique approach is NEC’s
many highly skilled subcontractors. The development of their
preferred way to of build relationships with existing and potential
employees is a serious matter to the company, with Personal
suppliers. Even after these summits, communication and direct
Development Plans developed for every individual on the NEC
interaction between themselves and their suppliers is key to NEC;
payroll. Great attention is paid not only to staff’s training, but their
they believe in keeping lines of communication open at all times,
ongoing competency and ever-improving abilities. Within this,
allowing in-house staff and supplier companies to interact easily as
there is also a strong focus on career development and promotion
one team. Similarly, this focus on bonds means NEC prefer forming
from within. As NEC see it, in an industry that is always evolving
long-term relationships over flitting between loyalties to chase the
and growing, the development of each employee is crucial for
lowest price; instead, their approach builds trust between steady
standards to remain high and employees’ training to stay relevant.
relationships, allowing for credit on larger purchases and more
In doing so, they keep ensuring that Trinidad and Tobago are not
secure business for both parties. That said, they dissuade nepotism
only benefiting from high standards themselves, but can continue
by reminding their suppliers to stay competitive!
their trend-setting global rise.
When asked what exciting developments they had on the horizon, NEC were keen to mention their integrated Melamine/
SURINAME DRYDOCK AND SHIPBUILDING COMPANY S.A. Saramaccastraat 33-35 • P.O. Box 1846 • Paramaribo, Suriname • South America Email: drydock@sr.net • Phone: (597) 475100 – 425757 – 424252 • Fax: (597) 420750 Website: www.surinamedrydock.com
Facilities Floating drydock of 50.00 x 22.00 x 1.60 meters with breadth of 18.00 meters between the wing walls and a lifting capacity of 1100 tons • Floating drydock of 30.00 x 13.40 x 1.22 meters with breadth of 10.05 meters between the wing walls and a lifting capacity of 150 tons • Slipway with a capacity of 100 tons and one for new buildings and repairs of vessels up to 600 tons with a length of 70.00 meters • Machine shop for repairing and machining of shafts, bearings and parts • Propeller shop for repairing several kinds of propellers such as manganese bronze, bronial, aluminum and stainless steel Representative of: Damen Shipyards Gorinchem Endeavour Magazine | 143